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UNE philosopher David Livingstone Smith answers the question “What makes clowns so creepy?” on 'WCSH'

David Livingstone Smith
David Livingstone Smith

An interview with David Livingstone Smith, Ph.D., professor of philosophy, in which he addressed the recent clown phenomenon, was aired on WCSH on October 7, 2016.

Smith discussed the creepiness of clowns within the context of philosophical theory. Creepiness, he said, occurs when people’s desire to categorize things is thrown off-track by something that does not fit neatly into one category.

He also clarified the difference between feelings of creepiness and fear. “When you’re frightened, you want to get away from it. But when you’re creeped out by something, you’re also fascinated by it.”

 

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