Final answer:
The ability to sense and understand emotion is called 'emotional intelligence'. This involves recognizing and managing one's own emotions, as well as the emotions of others, and is affected by biological components like the amygdala and psychological theories such as the Schachter-Singer two-factor theory.
Step-by-step explanation:
The ability to sense and understand emotion is called emotional intelligence. This concept encompasses the ability to recognize not only our own emotions but also the emotions of others. Emotional intelligence involves processing and managing emotions effectively within oneself and in relationships with others.
The Biology of Emotions
Understanding emotions biologically, we know that the limbic system plays a significant role in emotion and memory. The limbic system includes the hypothalamus, thalamus, amygdala, and hippocampus. The amygdala, for example, is crucial for processing emotional information, which influences our emotional intelligence.
Schachter-Singer Two-Factor Theory of Emotion
From a psychological perspective, the Schachter-Singer two-factor theory of emotion suggests that emotions consist of two factors: physiological and cognitive. This theory shows how our interpretation of a physiological response can differ based on the situation, resulting in different emotional experiences.
Understanding emotions is a complex process involving both biology and psychology, reflecting the importance of various theories in the study of emotional intelligence.