Minds on Stage: Greek Tragedy and Cognition

Greek tragedy parades, tests, stimulates, and upends human cognition, with characters plotting deception, trying to fathom elusive gods, and failing to recognize loved ones. Minds on Stage aims to expand our understanding of Greek tragedy and use it as a focal point for exploring cognitive thinking about literature.

Format: Hardback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 01 June 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press

Greek tragedy is a captivating form of theatre that delves deep into the human psyche, challenging and transforming our cognitive processes. It presents a rich tapestry of characters who engage in intricate plots, navigate the complexities of the divine, and struggle to recognize the people closest to them. As spectators, we are invited to observe these characters' cognitive limitations and reflect on our own, grappling with moral quandaries and emotional breakdowns. At the same time, we are transported to a mythical past and confronted with the topical issues of the present, all while contemplating the identity of the mysterious figure known as Helen of Troy.

Minds on Stage, a comprehensive exploration of Greek tragedy, seeks to expand our understanding of this ancient art form and utilize it as a lens for exploring cognitive thinking about literature. The volume is divided into three parts, each offering a unique perspective on the cognitive dimensions of Greek tragedy.

Part One delves into the dynamics of mind-reading, examining how characters and audiences interpret each other's thoughts and emotions. Through articles on Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides, the volume explores the intricate ways in which characters attribute causes, remember events, and use objects as tools for thinking. It sheds light on the different styles of cognitive sense-making employed by these characters and highlights the ways in which their cognitive processes shape their actions and decisions.

Part Two takes a deeper dive into the cognitive aspects of the characters, exploring their individual styles of attributing causes, their methods of remembering, and the role of objects in their thinking. The chapters examine the ways in which characters use language, imagery, and symbolism to construct their understanding of the world and to communicate their thoughts and emotions to others. They also explore the cognitive processes that underlie the characters' decision-making and the ways in which their cognitive biases and assumptions influence their actions.

Part Three turns our attention to the cognitive dimension of spectating, exploring the generic expectations and different modes of engagement that spectators bring to the plays. The articles examine the spectators' attention to the drama, the joint nature of their attention to the fictional worlds of the plays, the nexus between aesthetic illusion and the ethics of deception, and the situated nature of cognition that helps both audiences and characters make sense of morally complex situations.

Through its broad coverage of both plays and cognitive capabilities, Minds on Stage offers a rich and nuanced exploration of Greek tragedy. It invites us to contemplate the complexities of human cognition, the power of literature to challenge our assumptions, and the enduring relevance of ancient myths and themes in contemporary society. Whether we are scholars, theatre enthusiasts, or simply curious individuals, this volume provides a valuable contribution to our understanding of Greek tragedy and its profound impact on our cognitive processes.

Weight: 590g
Dimension: 240 x 163 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780192888938