The Intersection of Literature and Cognitive Science: A Neuro-literary Approach
The Intersection of Literature and Cognitive Science: A Neuro-literary Approach
A neuro-literary approach to literature examines how the brain processes and reacts to literature and how cognitive science informs our understanding of reading and storytelling. Cognitive literary studies combine insights from neurology, psychology, and literary criticism to explore how humans mentally and emotionally engage with narratives. This interdisciplinary approach delves into topics such as narrative structure, empathy, cognitive psychology, and brain activity when engaging with literary texts.
Neuro-literary analysis seeks to understand how stories activate specific cognitive functions, such as memory, emotion, and theory of mind, in readers. This approach is particularly interested in how literature shapes human understanding of the self, others, and the world. It also provides valuable insight into the evolution of storytelling and the ways narratives tap into universal cognitive processes to make meaning.
