Smell Is Emotion
Open Access
- 31 December 2025
- journal article
- research article
- Published by MDPI AG in Brain Sciences
- Vol. 16 (1) , 59
Abstract
This perspective piece discusses various facets of affect interpreted through the sensory modality of olfaction. Through a review of the terms “emotion”, “hedonic valence”, “mood” and “feelings” with theory, neurobiology and empirical evidence, I suggest the provocative argument that smell and emotion are fundamentally equivalent and that the essence of olfactory experience is emotion. It is hoped that this perspective piece will help broaden definitions and understanding in affective science, and inspire further research, and theoretical developments in olfaction, emotion and related clinical practices.Keywords
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