Before revision: James-Lange theory Following the influence of René Descartes and his ideas regarding the split between body and mind, in 1884 William James proposed the theory that it is not that the human body acts in response to our emotional state, as common sense might suggest, but rather, we interpret our emotions on the basis of our already present bodily state.
After revision: James–Lange theory Following the influence of René Descartes and his ideas regarding the split between body and mind, in 1884 William James proposed the theory that it is not that the human body acts in response to a person's emotional state, as common sense might suggest, but rather, people interpret their emotions on the basis of their already present bodily state.