Events
(3) “The Aesthetics of Knowledge” Seminar & Seminar of the PhD course in “Filosofia, Epistemologia e Scienze Umane”, organized by Filippo Contesi
17 March 2026, 15:00–17:00 (CET)
Simon Evnine (University of Miami), “The Magic of Words: What Is It Supposed to Be?”; Aula TBD (Sa Duchessa Campus, Central Building, Cagliari) and accessible online
Abstract: “Many people, at various times, places, and cultures, have believed that language has special magical power. Spells, enchantments, blessing and curses, exorcisms and summonings, have all been thought to rely on certain distinctive uses of language. In this paper, I examine three ways of understanding the alleged magical power of language, as illocutionary, as perlocutionary, and as something analogous to mechanical. I argue that none can work as a general account of the magical uses of language, as seen from the point of view of those who engage in such practices. I conclude with the suggestion that such a power is not just non-existent but conceptually impossible.”
Contact: filippo.contesi@unica.it
(2) “The Aesthetics of Knowledge” Seminar & Seminar of the PhD course in “Filosofia, Epistemologia e Scienze Umane”, organized by Filippo Contesi
20 February 2026, 9:00–11:00 (CET)
Joulia Smortchkova (University of Grenoble & UniCA Visiting Professor/Scientist), Laura Candiotto (Universities of Cagliari & Pardubice) & Oriana Mosca (University of Cagliari), “The Affective Core of First Impressions”; Aula Motzo (Sa Duchessa Campus, Central Building, Cagliari) and accessible online
Abstract: “How does the mind interface with novelty? In my presentation, I start from the folk psychological notion of “first impressions” to explore the possible presence of “novelty interface systems” in the mind, which guide our initial appraisals and reactions toward unfamiliar and new entities. I will formulate the hypothesis that the initial appraisal of new entities is affective at its core, but that the affective reaction can be modulated by our previous experiences and by our naïve theories about first encounters.”
Contact: filippo.contesi@unica.it
(1) “The Aesthetics of Knowledge” & “Linguaggi, Immaginari, Media” (LIM) Seminar, organized by Filippo Contesi
17 February 2026, 15:00–17:00 (CET)
Joulia Smortchkova (University of Grenoble & UniCA Visiting Professor/Scientist), “Perception-Based Mindreading”; Aula Motzo (Sa Duchessa Campus, Central Building, Cagliari) and accessible online
Abstract: “We have increasing evidence that perception can track certain “social properties,” such as animacy, specific mental states (notably emotions and intentions), socially constructed categories, and some personality and character traits. In this paper, I investigate the consequences and impact of what can be called “social perception” on our understanding of others. I argue that social perception is a double-edged sword for mindreading. In some cases, it can put us in a form of “direct” contact with what others experience, whereas in other cases it can be a source of “social perceptual illusions” that lead to erroneous mindreading.”
Contact: filippo.contesi@unica.it