Curiosity: Difference between revisions
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==Morbid curiosity== |
==Morbid curiosity== |
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A '''morbid curiosity''' is a compulsion, fixed with excitement and fear, to know about macabre topics, such as [[death]] and horrible [[violence]] (see also: [[snuff film]]). In a milder form, however, this can be understood as a [[catharsis|cathartic]] form of behavior or as something instinctive within humans. According to [[Aristotle]], in his [[Poetics (Aristotle)|Poetics]] we even “enjoy contemplating the most precise images of things whose sight is painful to us”. (This aspect of our nature is often referred to as the 'Car Crash Syndrome' or '[[Trainwreck Syndrome]]', derived from the notorious inability of passersby to ignore such accidents.) |
A '''morbid curiosity''' is a compulsion, fixed with excitement and fear, to know about macabre topics, such as [[death]] and horrible [[violence]] (see also: [[snuff film]]). In a milder form, however, this can be understood as a [[catharsis|cathartic]] form of behavior or as something instinctive within humans. According to [[Aristotle]], in his [[Poetics (Aristotle)|Poetics]] we even “enjoy contemplating the most precise images of things whose sight is painful to us”. (This aspect of our nature is often referred to as the 'Car Crash Syndrome' or '[[Trainwreck Syndrome]]', derived from the notorious inability of passersby to ignore such accidents.) |
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== Suitable example== |
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Now, you are reading this article and particularly ''this'' sentence '''because of''' your curiosity. Also, you are attracted by the phrase "because of" which is written in bold print in the previous sentence. |
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==References== |
==References== |
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Revision as of 12:50, 15 June 2007
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Curiosity is any natural inquisitive behaviour, evident by observation in many animal species, and is the emotional aspect of living beings that engenders exploration, investigation, and learning.
Definition
In essence, "curiosity" is a term that describes an unknown number of behavioral and psychological mechanisms that have the effect of impelling beings to seek information and interaction with their natural environment and with other beings in their vicinity.[citation needed]
Causes
Curiosity is mostly a natural instinct; curiosity confers a survival advantage to certain species, and can be found in their genomes.
Who is affected?
Curiosity is common to human beings at all ages from infancy to old age, and is easy to observe in many other animal species. These include apes, cats, fish, reptiles, and insects; as well as many others. Many aspects of exploration are shared among all beings, as all known terrestrial beings share similar aspects: limited size and a need to seek out food sources.
Strong curiosity is the main motivation of famous scientists. In fact, it is mainly curiosity that makes a human being an expert in a certain field of knowledge.
Many famous historical figures were affected strongly by curiosity, to explore and conquer, for example, Colombus, Balboa, Magellan, Coronado, Sir Francis Drake, etc., to name a few.
Abstract curiosity
Though humans are sometimes considered particularly very curious, they sometimes seem to miss the obvious when compared to other animals. What seems to happen is that human curiosity combined with the ability to think in an abstract way, lead to mimesis, fantasy and imagination - eventually leading to an especially human way of thinking ("human reason"), which is abstract and self aware, or conscious.
Morbid curiosity
A morbid curiosity is a compulsion, fixed with excitement and fear, to know about macabre topics, such as death and horrible violence (see also: snuff film). In a milder form, however, this can be understood as a cathartic form of behavior or as something instinctive within humans. According to Aristotle, in his Poetics we even “enjoy contemplating the most precise images of things whose sight is painful to us”. (This aspect of our nature is often referred to as the 'Car Crash Syndrome' or 'Trainwreck Syndrome', derived from the notorious inability of passersby to ignore such accidents.)
Suitable example
Now, you are reading this article and particularly this sentence because of your curiosity. Also, you are attracted by the phrase "because of" which is written in bold print in the previous sentence.
References