Research Seminars @ Illinois

Tailored for undergraduate researchers, this calendar is a curated list of research seminars at the University of Illinois. Explore the diverse world of research and expand your knowledge through engaging sessions designed to inspire and enlighten.

To have your events added or removed from this calendar, please contact OUR at ugresearch@illinois.edu

How Emotions About Fiction Motivate Behavior

Apr 3, 2026   3:00 - 5:00 pm  
223 Gregory Hall
Lecture
Sponsor
Department of Philosophy
Contact
Trish Barker
E-Mail
tlbarker@illinois.edu
Originating Calendar
Campus Humanities Calendar

Philosopher Kendall Walton argued that emotions toward fictional people and situations do not motivate behavior. Andrea Scarantino, Georgia State University, disagrees, asserting that emotions about fictional objects are motivationally powerful. The difference is one of regulation. Regulation of emotions about fictional objects can lead to outcomes ranging from expressing motivation directly or indirectly to inhibiting such motivation entirely.

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