Event Recap: Invited Talk by Professor Douglas Cairns, University of Edinburgh

Our ERC project and the Department of Classical Studies and Philosophy at the University of Cyprus were honored to host Professor Douglas Cairns from the University of Edinburgh on Tuesday, 18 February 2025 for an engaging and thought-provoking lecture titled:

“Emotional Contagion, Empathy, and Sympathy as Responses to Verbal and Visual Narratives: Some Conceptual and Methodological Issues”

Professor Cairns delivered a compelling exploration of the emotional dynamics between audiences and characters within narrative genres such as tragedy. The presentation delved into the complex roles of vision, visualization, and imagination in shaping audience responses, raising fundamental questions about mimicry, mirroring, and empathetic engagement. The lecture also highlighted the value of ancient literary theory in informing modern research within the cognitive humanities.

The event sparked vibrant discussions and a dynamic exchange of ideas, reflecting the audience’s deep engagement with the topic. The Q&A session was particularly productive, allowing for a rich dialogue that extended the key themes of the talk and fostered new insights.

We extend our sincere gratitude to Professor Cairns for sharing his expertise and for the depth and clarity of his presentation. We also wish to thank all attendees whose participation contributed to the success of the event. The high level of interaction underscored the significance of such scholarly gatherings in promoting intellectual exchange and interdisciplinary dialogue.

We look forward to future opportunities for collaboration with Professor Cairns and hope to continue building academic bridges that enrich both our community and ongoing research initiatives.

This event is part of the Department of Classical Studies and Philosophy’s long-standing tradition of organizing a public colloquium series that brings together scholars, students, and the wider community. These events aim to foster critical thinking, dialogue, and the exchange of ideas across disciplines, further strengthening the department’s commitment to accessible and inclusive academic discourse.

For more information about future events, please visit the Department of Classical Studies and Philosophy webpage.