Du Bos' paradox
Document Type
Journal article
Source Publication
British Journal of Aesthetics
Publication Date
10-1-2013
Volume
53
Issue
4
First Page
393
Last Page
406
Publisher
Oxford University Press
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.
DOI
10.1093/aesthj/ayt034
Print ISSN
00070904
E-ISSN
14682842
Publisher Statement
Copyright © 2013 British Society of Aesthetics
Access to external full text or publisher's version may require subscription.
Full-text Version
Publisher’s Version
Language
English
Recommended Citation
Livingston, P. N. (2013). Du Bos' paradox. British Journal of Aesthetics, 53(4), 393-406. doi: 10.1093/aesthj/ayt034