“Fiction, Emotion, and Morality” will examine the relation of narrative fiction, including literature, film, theatre, and TV, in relation to the emotions and morality. We will explore the paradox of fiction, that is: “How can we be emotionally moved by characters we know do not exist?” Also, we will address the paradox of negative emotion – “How can we take pleasure in fictional events that in real life would disturb us immensely?” Specific emotional states in relation to fiction – including pity, fear, admiration, horror, suspense, comic amusement, and awe – will be discussed. The seminar will conclude with a review of the implications of our emotional engagement to narrative fiction for morality.
Conductor:
Noël Carroll, PhD, University of Wisconsin (USA), Dept. of Philosophy
Working language: English
Participants: Students of all disciplines
Literature:
Noel Carroll, Beyond Aesthetics, Cambridge University Press, 2001
You will be informed in time about what parts of the book are to be read in advance.
Impotant: Participation is basically restricted to members of the Foundation. Other interested students may only participate in case of vacancies and with a recommendation of a Professor.
