Philosophy café: On Tragedy - Chris Janaway.
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Description
Dramas and other fictions that portray tragic events are often thought to be the most important and valuable artistic works. But ever since the age of Plato and Aristotle, when tragedy was invented, philosophers have wondered why, and even whether, they are a good thing. Do we enjoy the merciless representation of lives being wrecked? If so, how do we explain that? Do we enjoy it in spite of, or because of, the painfulness of the events? And if we do not enjoy it, what is the point of tragedy?
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