Philosophy For Our Times
Halloween SPECIAL | The philosophy of monsters, magic, and mausoleums
Nov 1, 2024
Noël Carroll, a leading figure in philosophy of art, joins David Livingstone Smith, an expert on self-deception and moral psychology, and historian Thomas Laqueur, known for his works on gender, to explore the allure of horror. They discuss why monsters evoke fear and what they symbolize about human emotions. The conversation dives into the cultural significance of graveyards in preserving memory and the haunting impact of societal dehumanization. Rituals surrounding death from various cultures reveal a fascinating blend of the secular and sacred.
33:34
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Quick takeaways
- The horror genre uniquely invokes fear and disgust through its portrayal of monsters, reflecting our primal fears and emotional responses.
- Cemeteries symbolize a vital connection to history and community, emphasizing the importance of memory and heritage in societal identity.
Deep dives
The Allure of Horror
Horror as a genre elicits specific emotions, primarily fear and disgust, which are tied to the nature of its monsters. These monsters embody danger, possessing abilities that threaten the innocent and evoke a primal fear. For example, characters like Dracula and zombies demonstrate not only physical threats but also drive feelings of revulsion through their contradictory existence, being both alive and dead. Horror storytelling success hinges on its ability to merge these feelings, creating a compelling experience that keeps audiences returning for more.
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