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Paradox of negative emotions in art: analysis of theoretical and empirical studies

https://doi.org/10.25205/2541-7517-2022-20-3-43-56

Abstract

In this article, I will first present a number of contemporary philosophical conceptions that offer various solutions to the “paradox of negative emotions” as a general problem of how one can enjoy art that involves painful emotions. Solutions presented include ambivalence and value judgments theories, compensatory theories, and theories of catharsis. Then the article highlights a number of modern empirical studies devoted to this paradox. Despite the fact that they contain methodological and substantive problems, and do not add up to a coherent system, their results are valuable, since they challenge the possibility of a universal solution to the paradox.

About the Author

K.- D. Gomes
Ural State Medical University
Russian Federation

Karolina-Dzhoanna Gomes, Candidate of Sciences (Philosophy), assistant lecturer, assistant lecturer at the Department of philosophy, bioethics, and cultural studies

Yekaterinburg



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Review

For citations:


Gomes K.D. Paradox of negative emotions in art: analysis of theoretical and empirical studies. Siberian Journal of Philosophy. 2022;20(3):43-56. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.25205/2541-7517-2022-20-3-43-56

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ISSN 2541-7517 (Print)