The Intelligence of Emotions

## Can emotions be intelligent? Are feelings a form of knowledge?

In Western thought, emotions have often been portrayed as the unruly opposites of reason—disruptive forces that cloud judgment and lead us astray. "Don't be so emotional," we're told when making important decisions. "Think with your head, not your heart."

But what if this dichotomy fundamentally misunderstands what emotions are and how they function? What if our feelings aren't obstacles to clear thinking but sophisticated forms of understanding that provide crucial information about what matters?

Join us for a thoughtful exploration of the intelligence within our emotional lives. Drawing on insights from philosophy, psychology, and our own experiences, we'll examine questions such as:

• In what ways might emotions contain cognitive judgments about value and significance?
• When have your emotions "known" something before your conscious mind recognized it?
• How can we distinguish between emotionally-informed wisdom and emotional bias?
• What forms of understanding might be accessible only through emotional engagement?

No philosophical background required—just bring your curiosity and willingness to explore these questions together. Our roundtable format ensures everyone has a chance to contribute to the conversation in a welcoming, respectful environment.

Coffee, tea, and light refreshments available for purchase. Come a few minutes early to grab your favorite beverage before we begin!

About Café Philosophique: We create space for curious minds to explore meaningful questions in a relaxed setting. Our discussions bridge the gap between casual conversation and scholarly discourse, welcoming diverse perspectives and experiences.

"The heart has its reasons of which reason knows nothing." – Blaise Pascal