Final answer:
Admiration is a positive moral emotion responding to excellence or virtue in action, linked to biological, neurological, and social factors and often preceded by cognitive appraisal. It is experienced in various contexts, such as art appreciation, recognition of personal attributes, or profound philosophical contemplation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Admiration is indeed classified as a positive moral emotion that arises as a response to witnessing or perceiving excellence or virtue in action, whether it be moral, intellectual, or physical. This sense of appreciation, as outlined by Arnold's appraisal theory, is often preceded by a cognitive evaluation that informs the emotion. For instance, the recognition of another's talent or moral uprightness, such as the ones we encounter in art or the admirable acts of individuals, can trigger admiration. The experience of admiration can also be deeply rooted in our biological and neurological make-up, as our individual perspectives are influenced by biology, nature, and nurture, which are the underpinnings of laws of attraction.
Furthermore, this emotion is intertwined with our social instincts and the psychological rewards of mastering complex topics, thus giving rise to feelings of pride and respect. When thinking about admiration, we can reference the philosophical notion by Immanuel Kant that evokes awe and reverence: contemplating the starry heavens or the moral law within us fills the mind with increasing admiration. Hence, admiration can be a response to a myriad of stimuli from the beauty in art and the complexity of a subject to the virtuous behaviors of individuals and profound philosophical thoughts.