Emotions and Affects: Interdisciplinary Perspectives

The role of emotions has gained increasing attention in the recent years across academic disciplines. Psychologists and neuroscientists have aimed to map out the behavioural implications and physiological foundations of different emotions, and philosophers have sought to define, for instance, the moral meaning of emotions such as empathy, shame and anger. Scholars have also explored the political backgrounds and consequences of emotions, thus researching how given emotions may, for instance, feed exclusionary politics whilst other emotions may lead to increased inclusion. Meanwhile, cultural theorists and anthropologists have analysed the cultural roots, variations and meanings of different emotion categories.

The newly re-found interest in emotions is thus cross- and interdisciplinary. The central questions are: What are “emotions”, and what is referred to by terms such as “love”, “disgust”, “guilt”, “fear” or “joy”? What sorts of political ideologies different categories of emotion may feed? How are emotions relevant to moral agency? What is the physiological basis of emotions? How do cultures influence emotions and vice versa? What is the relation between social media and emotions?

The one-day seminar “Emotions and Affects: Interdisciplinary Perspectives” seeks to explore these questions. The keynote speakers are Antti Kauppinen (Professor of Practical Philosophy, University of Helsinki), Mikko Sams (Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience, Aalto University), and Kaarina Nikunen (Professor of Media and Communication Research, University of Tampere). Other speakers represent philosophy, psychology, cultural studies, media studies, musicology and gender studies.

The seminar will take place in Publicum 3, Assistentinkatu 7, Turku.

Registration: Attendance is free, although we kindly ask you to register by 31 January 2019.
>> Link to registration

The event is organised by the Turku Institute for Advanced Studies (Elisa Aaltola, Johanna Kaakinen) and the Research Center for Culture and Health (Anu Laukkanen).