Wednesday, 13 December 2023, 16:00-18:00
Senate House, Room 243
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Philosophers and other scholars have long held that reading fictional literature is cognitively valuable in a variety of ways. These ways usually do not include the capacity of fiction to convey factual information, however, because (it is thought) this capacity cannot contribute to the artistic or literary value of a work. In this paper I argue that the way we learn facts from fiction is essential to explaining several other cognitive values often attributed to fiction. I further suggest that truth and accuracy may contribute, not just to the cognitive value of a work of fiction, but also to its value as fictional literature.
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Following NHS guidance, all attendees are strongly encouraged to be vaccinated (including boosters) against Covid-19, unless medically exempt. Our group is diverse; please continue to be considerate of those who wear face coverings and those who don’t. Thank you.