Humility, Contemplation and Affect Theory

The affect theory of Tomkins is described and compared to Hilton’s Scale of Perfection. The affect theory suggests that the affects and emotions control human attention, cognition, and behavior. Thus, humans who are able to maintain affective balance and control are most able to negotiate their environment most successfully, and may be considered most free. The Scale of Perfection also suggests that control of the affects and emotions are important, particularly through humility and charity. Hilton describes the act of contemplation as the moment in which humans most fully become themselves and function optimally.Brendan Ignatius McGroarty is a doctoral student in Psychology and Religion at the Catholic University of America, where he is writing a dissertation on the Scale of Perfection and affect theory.