HORROR

Question 1

The expressivist solution

Answer 1

we have latent, inchoate fears.
works of horror create symbols of what we fear.
in watching horror, we give full vent to out latent, inchoate fears.
giving full vent to a feelings helps to get rid of that feeling.
SO, we enjoy works of horror.

Question 2

Aristotle on Tradgedy

Answer 2

through very realistic representation and acting, we can release repressed emotions just as we could if the actions were real

Question 3

Carroll on Monsters

Answer 3

• creature that our contemporary understanding of the world doesn’t recognize
• perfect vehicle for engendering curiosity because of their impossibility
• violate our conceptual schemes in a way that disturbs and distresses us

Question 4

Carroll’s Comprehensive solution to the Paradox of Horror

Answer 4

1. the narrative/plot is fascinating
2. the monster is fascinating
3. it allows for us to feel courageous

Question 5

Carroll’s response to The No Monster Objection

Answer 5

Slasher films, including monsters, are considered horror. Films with humans akin to monsters are borderline horror genre. Films with only humans can only be considered tales of terror.

Question 6

Gaut on the Enjoyment Solution

Answer 6

we can enjoy emotions such as fear and disgust (example: high risk mountain climbing, roller coasters, sad music/the blues)

Question 7

Prinz on Negative and Positive Emotions

Answer 7

Negative emotions involve a component of inner punishment, a signal to oneself saying “less of this!”
Positive emotions involve a component of inner reward, a signal to oneself saying “more of this!”

Question 8

Gaut on the Control Theory

Answer 8

one can enjoy negative emotions when one is in control of the situation producing the emotion, where control is understood in terms of an ability to direct one’s thoughts or actions

Question 9

Carroll’s view on Fear

Answer 9

The belief that an object is threatening causes an UNPLEASANT bodily reaction such as trembling, fast breathing, increased heart rate

Question 10

Carroll’s view on Fear

Answer 10

The belief that an object is threatening causes an UNPLEASANT bodily reaction.

Question 11

Gaut’s view on Fear

Answer 11

The belief that an object is threatening AND BAD (undesirable) causes a bodily reaction (an evaluative theory of emotions)

Question 12

Gaut on the Paradox of Horror

Answer 12

in using the evaluative theory of emotions, we can prove that there is nothing paradoxical about enjoying negative emotions, for it is only required that one disvalue the objects of these emotions.

Question 13

Gaut’s Response to the Strange Tribe Objection

Answer 13

The view that these emotions are evaluative entails that the observers will typically find these emotions and the objects of these emotions unpleasant, however there is a wide scope for the enjoyment of these emotions in atypical situations or by atypical people

Question 14

The Fantasy Objection

Answer 14

The enjoyment of having our curiosity stimulated

Question 15

Gaut’s Response to the “I Want To Be Scared” Objection”

Answer 15

• the monster is not the deciding factor of the horror genre
• most horror movies don’t have amazing plot lines (formulaic plot objection)
• therefore, we go to be scared, not for curiosity