Episode 140, ‘Interpersonal Art’ with Harry Drummond (Part I - Collective Experience)
Feb 23, 2025
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Join Harry Drummond, an expert in aesthetics and psychology from the University of Liverpool, as he delves into the fascinating realm of interpersonal art. He explores how shared experiences—be it in cinema, dance, or live comedy—amplify our enjoyment and understanding of art. Drummond discusses the importance of collective interactions in shaping emotional connections and interpretations, highlighting that what we experience alone often pales in comparison to the vibrancy of shared moments. Uncover the profound impact of community on our aesthetic lives!
Shared aesthetic experiences in social settings significantly enhance emotional reactions and perceptions of art, as they foster collective engagement.
The podcast explores the philosophical dimensions of aesthetics, emphasizing the importance of inquiry and the interplay between art, psychology, and human experience.
Deep dives
Interpersonal Aesthetic Experiences
The podcast discusses the significance of shared aesthetic experiences, particularly those that occur in social settings such as cinemas, concerts, or dance floors. Dr. Harry Drummond emphasizes that these collective experiences allow individuals to amplify and reshape their perceptions of art, offering a nuanced engagement that would be unattainable in solitude. The interaction with fellow audience members influences not only how one perceives the artwork but also enhances emotional reactions—such as laughter during a comedy film, which is often more pronounced when shared with others. This collective element of aesthetic appreciation highlights the shared humanity in navigating cultural events and the subtle dynamics that shape our experiences.
The Role of Philosophy in Aesthetics
A central theme in the episode is the philosophical inquiry into aesthetics, which Dr. Drummond defines as more than just the philosophy of art; it encompasses a wide range of human experiences and interactions. The discussion touches on how philosophy helps in questioning and dissecting our understanding of aesthetic appreciation, emphasizing that the aim is often to ask the right questions rather than to find definitive answers. Drummond explores the philosophical roots that connect aesthetics to psychology and the philosophy of mind, demonstrating how shared experiences can provide deeper insights into our appreciation of beauty and art. Furthermore, he cites his intellectual influences, illustrating how philosophical discourse continues to evolve and expand across various disciplines.
The Science Behind Shared Experiences
The podcast also delves into empirical studies that support the claims regarding shared aesthetic experiences, highlighting how visibility and interaction significantly impact the emotional intensity of the experience. One study discussed involves individuals watching a film, where increased eye contact and mutual engagement resulted in heightened enjoyment, further indicating a psychological interplay in group settings. Another example involves jazz music, where participants moved more rhythmically when they could see and respond to one another’s presence. These findings lend empirical weight to the assertion that our collective engagement in artistic experiences enriches our perception and enjoyment.
Personal vs. Shared Aesthetic Enjoyment
While shared experiences are often framed as more enriching, the podcast acknowledges that individual experiences can also hold unique value, particularly in contexts where personal emotional responses are heightened. For example, watching a suspenseful or intimate film alone might evoke stronger feelings than experiencing it in a group, especially if the presence of others is perceived as a distraction. Dr. Drummond mentions specific scenarios, such as experiencing a romantic film with a partner versus family, which can drastically alter one’s perception of the content. This indicates that the context and company can profoundly influence how aesthetic experiences are shaped, leading to a more nuanced understanding of aesthetic enjoyment.
Reflecting on the experiences we value most, many that come to mind are those we share with others. Consider the strangers we sit alongside at the football, the romantic partners who share (or endure) our favourite television shows, the friends with whom we dance through the early morning hours. Despite the growing ease of on-demand, private aesthetic experiences, we find ourselves carving out time for public ones. But why?
In this episode, we’ll be discussing the nature of interpersonal aesthetic experience with Dr Harry Drummond, Teacher in the Department of Continuing Education at the University of Liverpool. Co-editor of the British Society of Aesthetics’ journal Debates in Aesthetics, and editorial assistant for the British Journal of Aesthetics, Dr Drummond’s work sits at the intersection of aesthetics, psychology, and the philosophy of mind.
For Drummond, the presence of others amplifies, redirects, and even unlocks experiences that wouldn’t be available to us alone. We read each other’s cues, share reactions, and create meaning together in ways that are subtle but profound. The silence of a cinema, the synchronised movement of a dance floor, the shared laughter at a comedy show – these are not just personal experiences but collective ones, shaped and enriched by the presence of others.
