Sean Carroll's Mindscape: Science, Society, Philosophy, Culture, Arts, and Ideas 181 | Peter Dodds on Quantifying the Shape of Stories
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Jan 24, 2022 Peter Dodds, a computer science professor at the University of Vermont, dives into the fascinating world of storytelling through a scientific lens. He discusses how to quantify emotional arcs in narratives using tools like the hedonometer, revealing insights into audience engagement and societal emotions. Dodds highlights the complexities of human feelings in text, the dynamics of language on platforms like Twitter, and how narratives can shape public perceptions. His work uncovers how storytelling structures can influence everything from social media trends to societal reactions.
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Quantifying Story Shapes
- Peter Dodds quantifies story shapes using data and statistical methods, much like Kurt Vonnegut's concept but with scientific rigor.
- He analyzes word valences to understand story structures, offering insights into human communication.
Measurement's Importance
- Measurement is crucial in science, even for complex concepts like stories, just as it was for temperature.
- Big data allows for quantifying human behavior and emotions, providing a deeper understanding.
Vonnegut's Influence
- Kurt Vonnegut's lecture on story shapes, featuring the "man in a hole" arc, inspired Dodds' work.
- Vonnegut's simple graph of emotional arcs demonstrates how stories resonate with audiences.