When considering the notion of "passion" both in its ordinary and in its philosophical meaning, one should firstly take note of its plurivocity. An analysis, brief as it may be, of the set and the implications of meanings that make up this concept must distinguish at least three basic meanings; (1) the most general meaning of passion as affection; (2) that of passion as emotion of the soul; (3) that of dominant sentiment that determines or significantly influences one's personality and behaviour.