Aaron Alvarez

In this paper we argue that the literature on affective states has converged onto two interrelated, but ultimately distinct (and non- derivative) notions of affect: one that characterizes affective states as those with a certain functional profile, and one that characterizes them based on their phenomenology. We argue that, given explanatory gap issues, neither concept can be derived from the other, resulting in a pluralist consensus as to what affect is. We also examine Almagro’s proposal to understand affective polarization as a non-individualistic phenomenon and how consistent his usage is with the two presented notions. We conclude that Almagro might have identified a certain form of polarization that, although related, doesn’t clearly fit the category of affective polarization.