Du Bos' paradox

Paisley Nathan LIVINGSTON

doi:10.1093/aesthj/ayt034

Du Bos' paradox

Paisley Nathan LIVINGSTON

Department of Philosophy

Research output: Journal Publications › Journal Article (refereed) › peer-review

5 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

What is now generally known as the paradox of art and negative affect was identified as a paradox by the Abbé Jean-Baptiste Du Bos in 1719. In his attempt to explain how people can admire and enjoy representational works that ‘afflict’ them, Du Bos claims that such representations give rise to ‘artificial’ emotions, provide a pleasurable relief from boredom, and offer us epistemic, artistic, and moral rewards. The paper delineates Du Bos’ proposal, considers the question of Du Bos’ originality, and discusses Hume’s brief comments on Du Bos and Fontenelle.

Original language	English
Pages (from-to)	393-406
Number of pages	14
Journal	British Journal of Aesthetics
Volume	53
Issue number	4
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1093/aesthj/ayt034
Publication status	Published - 1 Oct 2013

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Du Bos' paradox

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