Is pain necessarily unpleasant: a look at the curious case of pain asymbolia through the evaluativist, pure imperativist, and intensive theories of pain

Carrothers, Sean Michael Dana (2023) Is pain necessarily unpleasant: a look at the curious case of pain asymbolia through the evaluativist, pure imperativist, and intensive theories of pain. MPhil(R) thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

The conscious experience of the bodily sensation of pain has proven problematic for theorists. One of the primary issues has been formulating the exact nature of pain experience. It has been argued by some that pain experience has three elements: the pain experience itself, an unpleasant affective element, and a motivational element. Furthermore, the nature of the connection between these three elements has been a point of contention between theorists. What is now the standard view, it is argued that there is no necessary connection between these elements; that is, one is able to undergo a pain experience which is neither unpleasant nor motivational. This view has been supported, in part, by claims made by those reported to be pain asymbolic. These individuals claim that they undergo pain experiences which they find neither unpleasant, nor are they motivated to alleviate themselves of their pain experiences. Within this work, two theories which hold the standard view of pain will be discussed, as well as their explanation of the conscious experience of those purported to be pain asymbolic when undergoing pain experiences: evaluativism and pure imperativism. n addition, a third theory of pain will be defended which is counter to the standard view: the intensive theory. It will be shown that the intensive theory is not only able to account for the clinical evidence and testimony of those purported to be pain asymbolic but, also, demonstrate that pain experience is necessarily both unpleasant and motivational.

• Item Type: Thesis (MPhil(R))
• Qualification Level: Masters
• Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > B Philosophy (General)
• Colleges/Schools: College of Arts & Humanities > School of Humanities > Philosophy
• Supervisor's Name: Bain, Dr. David and Brown, Dr. Derek
• Date of Award: 2023
• Depositing User: Theses Team
• Unique ID: glathesis:2023-83383
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 27 Jan 2023 12:09
• Last Modified: 27 Jan 2023 12:09
• Thesis DOI: 10.5525/gla.thesis.83383
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/83383