THE ROOTS OF EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE: FROM ANTIQUITY TO THE RENAISSANCE

Abstract

This article examines the historical development of the concept of emotional intelligence from antiquity to the Renaissance making attempts to analyse its philosophical and cultural roots.In ancient philosophy Plato saw emotions as a threat to rational reason, and Aristotle saw them as an important component of human life, underlining the need to regulate them in order to achieve virtue. These ideas emphasise the importance of self-control and moderation in emotional life, forming the basis of modern emotional regulation. The Stoics argued for the importance of controlling destructive emotions which directly relates to modern approaches to emotional regulation. A historical analysis of these ideas helps to understand why the ability to control emotions was considered important not only for moral and personal growth but also for psychological well-being which in turn formed the basis of modern concepts of emotional intelligence.In the Middle Ages emotions were often viewed through the prism of religious teachings. For example, Thomas Aquinas argued that emotions can be either virtuous or vicious and their control or development depends on the person’s will and morality. This is consistent with modern views of self-awareness and self-regulation as key aspects of emotional intelligence. Changes in the perception of emotions during the Renaissance, when a reassessment of the importance of feelings began, also contributed to the development of the understanding that emotions have a positive and constructive meaning in human life which is an important aspect in the modern understanding of emotional intelligence.Understanding how different eras interpreted emotions shows that emotional intelligence is not just skills like self-management or empathy but reflects the historical evolution of ideas about emotions and reason, morality, andpersonal development.