About the book: 1966 / The book by Doctor of Medical Sciences P. V. Simonov is devoted to the analysis of the role of emotions in the adaptive behavior of higher animals and humans; it examines the connection between emotional states and needs and the actions taken to satisfy them. The author presents the data of modern science on the physiological mechanisms of emotional states and develops an original concept about the compensatory significance of emotions in conditions when the body does not have sufficient information to achieve a goal (i.e., satisfy a need). The last two chapters are devoted to the significance of the theory of emotions in art history, pedagogy and medicine. The book is of interest to specialists in various fields: physiologists, psychologists, teachers, art historians, students of relevant universities.