Fiction on the Mind

This podcast explores current theories in the cognitive science as they apply to the study of fiction. How can we cry when a character dies, if they don’t really exist? How can I relive suspense if I’ve already read the book? Why do we feel disappointed when everything turns out to be a dream? These questions and more are explored as I talk with researchers in the field about different topics applicable to literature, film, and more.

Further reading

Schweickert, Rich and Zhuanzhuan Xi. “Theory of Mind and Metamorphoses in Dreams: Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and Metamorphosis.” Theory of Mind and Literature, Purdue University Press, 2011, pp. 219-28.