<P>While human beings might be rational animals, they are emotional animals as well. Emotions play a central role in all areas of our lives and if we are to have a proper understanding of human life and activity, we ought to have a good grasp of the emotions. Michael S. Brady structures <I>Emotion: The Basics</I> around two basic, yet fundamental, questions: What are emotions? And what do emotions do? In answering these questions Brady provides insight into a core component of all our lives, covering:</P><P></P><UL><P><LI>the nature of emotion;</LI><P></P><P><LI>emotion, knowledge, and understanding;</LI><P></P><P><LI>emotion and action;</LI><P></P><P><LI>emotions and social groups;</LI><P></P><P><LI>emotion, morality, and art. </LI><P></P></UL><P></P><P>In this concise and insightful introduction, Brady explains why we are often better off as a result of emotion rather than reason being in the driving seat, as our lives, both individual and social, would be significantly impoverished