What is emotion?

I believe emotions are a set of physiological responses that occur when we are presented with certain stimuli so that our brain can learn to react a certain way when presented with the same stimuli again. So, while a child may not feel sad at a funeral, they will see all the other grown-ups around him or her, thus learning to be sad the next time that child is at a funeral.

Of course, I do think there are some stimuli that carry emotions that don't have to be learned. If someone is having fun, they will most likely smile and laugh. I think that may be a biological trait that is passed down genetically.

Emotion defines a lot of our personality. Some people have low emotional affectivity whereas others are high. Some are more pessimistic while others are naturally more optimistic. I think part of the development of our emotions comes from our personality constructs on how we view the world.