Why Humans Like to Cry

Tragedy, Evolution, and the Brain

Nonfiction, Health & Well Being, Medical, Specialties, Internal Medicine, Neuroscience, Science & Nature, Science, Psychology
Cover of the book Why Humans Like to Cry by Michael Trimble, OUP Oxford
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Michael Trimble ISBN: 9780191644429
Publisher: OUP Oxford Publication: November 22, 2012
Imprint: OUP Oxford Language: English
Author: Michael Trimble
ISBN: 9780191644429
Publisher: OUP Oxford
Publication: November 22, 2012
Imprint: OUP Oxford
Language: English

Human beings are the only species to have evolved the trait of emotional crying. We weep at tragedies in our lives and in those of others - remarkably even when they are fictional characters in film, opera, music, novels, and theatre. Why have we developed art forms - most powerfully, music - which move us to sadness and tears? This question forms the backdrop to Michael Trimble's discussion of emotional crying, its physiology, and its evolutionary implications. His exploration examines the connections with other distinctively human features: the development of language, self-consciousness, religious practices, and empathy. Neuroanatomy and neurophysiology of the brain have uncovered unique human characteristics; mirror neurones, for example, explain why we unconsciously imitate actions and behaviour. Whereas Nietzsche argued that artistic tragedy was born with the ancient Greeks, Trimble places its origins far earlier. His neurophysiological and evolutionary insights shed fascinating light onto this enigmatic part of our humanity.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Human beings are the only species to have evolved the trait of emotional crying. We weep at tragedies in our lives and in those of others - remarkably even when they are fictional characters in film, opera, music, novels, and theatre. Why have we developed art forms - most powerfully, music - which move us to sadness and tears? This question forms the backdrop to Michael Trimble's discussion of emotional crying, its physiology, and its evolutionary implications. His exploration examines the connections with other distinctively human features: the development of language, self-consciousness, religious practices, and empathy. Neuroanatomy and neurophysiology of the brain have uncovered unique human characteristics; mirror neurones, for example, explain why we unconsciously imitate actions and behaviour. Whereas Nietzsche argued that artistic tragedy was born with the ancient Greeks, Trimble places its origins far earlier. His neurophysiological and evolutionary insights shed fascinating light onto this enigmatic part of our humanity.

More books from OUP Oxford

Cover of the book Matters of the Heart by Michael Trimble
Cover of the book Travellers' Health by Michael Trimble
Cover of the book Oxford Studies in Experimental Philosophy, Volume 2 by Michael Trimble
Cover of the book Russia in Revolution by Michael Trimble
Cover of the book Berkeley's Three Dialogues by Michael Trimble
Cover of the book The World Trade Organization: A Very Short Introduction by Michael Trimble
Cover of the book Christopher Marlowe : Poet & Spy by Michael Trimble
Cover of the book The Origins of Dislike by Michael Trimble
Cover of the book Drugs in Anaesthesia and Intensive Care by Michael Trimble
Cover of the book Clausewitz's Puzzle by Michael Trimble
Cover of the book Wordsworth's Monastic Inheritance by Michael Trimble
Cover of the book The Sonnet by Michael Trimble
Cover of the book Once Upon a Time by Michael Trimble
Cover of the book Derrida: A Very Short Introduction by Michael Trimble
Cover of the book She by Michael Trimble
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy