We discuss the influence of the affective dimension, especially of emotions and feelings, on youth life projects, pointing contributions to the understanding of morality that integrates cognitive and affective aspects. The research is based on the concept of vital project (purpose), understood as meaningful goals and objectives for the subject that bring at the same time, implications for the wider world, assigning an ethical meaning to life and the actions of the individual. It is also based on Theory of Organizing Models of thinking which proposes that human being constructs models of reality based on cognitive and affective processes. Semi structured interviews with 30 young people (15-17 years), students of public secondary school in the state of Paraná were performed. Results indicated relationships between purpose and configuration of emotions and feelings in reasoning. It was also identified the relevance of interpersonal relationships and well-being of others, showing the influence exerted by emotional ties and the and the personal aspects in the engaging in vital projects. It was also identified the importance of interpersonal relationships and well-being of others, showing the influence exerted by emotional ties and the personal aspects in engaging in vital projects.
Emotions; morality; organizing models
