• As if: Connecting Phenomenology, Mirror Neurons, Empathy, and Laughter

    Author(s):
    Chris A. Kramer (see profile)
    Date:
    2012
    Group(s):
    Philosophy, Philosophy of Religion, Political Philosophy & Theory, Public Philosophy Journal
    Subject(s):
    Consciousness, Ethics, Wit and humor, Education, Phenomenology, Philosophy, Literature--Philosophy
    Item Type:
    Article
    Tag(s):
    Edmund Husserl, Humor, laughter, Humor studies, Philosophy and literature
    Permanent URL:
    http://dx.doi.org/10.17613/c3ag-0f56
    Abstract:
    The discovery of mirror neurons in both primates and humans has led to an enormous amount of research and speculation as to how conscious beings are able to interact so effortlessly among one another. Mirror neurons might provide an embodied basis for passive synthesis and the eventual process of further communalization through empathy, as envisioned by Edmund Husserl. I consider the possibility of a phenomenological and scientific investigation of laughter as a point of connection that might in the future bridge the gap Husserl feared had grown too expansive between the worlds of science and philosophy. Part I will describe some implications of the discovery of mirror neurons. Part II will address Husserl’s concept of embodiment as it relates to neuroscience and empathy. Part III will be a primer to investigating laughter phenomenologically. Part IV will be a continuation of the study of laughter and empathy as possible elements helpful in broadening the scope of what Husserl calls the Life-World.
    Metadata:
    Published as:
    Journal article    
    Status:
    Published
    Last Updated:
    2 years ago
    License:
    All Rights Reserved
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