The Atmospheric "We": Moods and Collective Feelings

The atmospherological approach can contribute to the debate on collective feelings by examining the complex emotional games that atmospheres give rise to and the power of atmospheric feelings. It also explores whether collective feelings are atmospheres or moods and what kind of we a collective atmosphere is based on.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 238 pages
Publication date: 28 December 2021
Publisher: Mimesis International

The Atmospheric Approach to Collective Feelings

The Atmospheric Turn

The Atmospheric Turn refers to a significant shift in the study of collective feelings, emphasizing the role of atmospheres in shaping and influencing emotional experiences. This shift recognizes that atmospheres are not mere physical phenomena but rather complex emotional entities that can evoke powerful and enduring sensations.

Complex Emotional Games

Atmospheres give rise to a range of complex emotional games that involve individuals and groups. These games are characterized by the interplay of different emotional states, such as joy, sadness, fear, and excitement. Atmospheres create a particular emotional atmosphere that can influence how people perceive and interpret their surroundings.

Realist Background

The inclusion of atmospheres in the ontological category of quasi-things is rooted in a realist background. Realists argue that atmospheres are not merely subjective experiences but rather objective entities that exist independently of human consciousness. This perspective allows for a more scientific understanding of the role of atmospheres in shaping emotional experiences.

Power of Atmospheric Feelings

The power of atmospheric feelings lies in their ability to create a sense of belonging, connection, and shared experience. Atmospheres can evoke strong emotions and create a sense of shared identity among individuals and groups. They can also shape how people interact with each other and influence their behavior.

Atmospheric Competence

There is an atmospheric competence that relates both to the intentional generation of atmospheres and to the ability not to be manipulated by them. This competence involves the ability to recognize and respond to the emotional cues that atmospheres provide, as well as the ability to create and maintain atmospheres that are conducive to positive emotional experiences.

Collective Feelings as Atmospheres or Moods

The question of whether collective feelings are atmospheres or moods is central to the debate surrounding the atmospheric approach. Some argue that collective feelings are atmospheres, characterized by a shared emotional atmosphere that can influence the behavior and attitudes of individuals. Others argue that collective feelings are moods, characterized by a temporary emotional state that can be influenced by external factors such as social context or individual experiences.

Collective Atmosphere Based on What?

The collective atmosphere is based on a range of factors, including social norms, cultural practices, and shared experiences. It is shaped by the interactions between individuals and groups, as well as by the physical environment and the social structures that exist within it. The collective atmosphere can be either positive, promoting social cohesion and well-being, or negative, creating oppressive atmospheres that can harm individuals and groups.

Well-Being and Oppressive Atmospheres

The Atmospheric Approach can be applied to the notion of well-being and to two oppressive atmospheres like permanent emergency and the uncanny. Permanent emergency is characterized by a sense of constant fear and anxiety, as individuals are constantly threatened by external threats such as war, natural disasters, and economic instability. The uncanny, on the other hand, is characterized by a sense of unease and discomfort, as individuals are unable to fully comprehend or explain the strange and unfamiliar aspects of their environment.

Conclusion

The Atmospheric Approach to Collective Feelings provides a valuable perspective on the role of atmospheres in shaping and influencing emotional experiences. It emphasizes the complex emotional games that atmospheres give rise to and the realist background underlying their inclusion in the ontological category of quasi-things. The power of atmospheric feelings lies in their ability to create a sense of belonging, connection, and shared experience, as well as their ability to shape how people interact with each other and influence their behavior. The debate surrounding collective feelings as atmospheres or moods is central to the understanding of the atmospheric approach, and the collective atmosphere is based on a range of factors that include social norms, cultural practices, and shared experiences. By applying this perspective to the notion of well-being and to oppressive atmospheres, we can gain a deeper understanding of the emotional dynamics that shape our lives and societies.

Weight: 310g
Dimension: 141 x 211 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9788869773334