A Phenomenological Non-Equilibrium Theory of Emotion, Addiction, and Artistic Creation
Abstract
We propose a phenomenological, non-equilibrium theory describing emotional response, addiction, and artistic creation. The theory does not aim to explain what causes emotion, but rather characterizes what emotion is as a physical phenomenon. Emotion is shown to arise only when two independent non-equilibria coexist. Addiction is described as a rotational non-equilibrium sustained by repeated reproduction of stimulus. Artistic creation is shown to avoid addiction structurally by enforcing temporal non-reproducibility of stimulus.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Philosophy and Theoretical Science
Phenomenology and Existential Philosophy
Cognitive Science and Education Research
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
- Publication date
- 17 February 2026
- Language
- EN
- Document type
- Preprint