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BIDDEFORD, Maine

91AV 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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The 91AV is Maine’s largest independent university, with two beautiful coastal campuses in Maine, a one-of-a-kind study abroad campus in Tangier, Morocco, and an array of . In an uncommonly welcoming and supportive community, we offer hands-on learning, empowering students to make a positive impact in a world full of challenges. The state’s top provider of health professionals, we are home to Maine’s only medical college, Maine’s only dental college, a variety of other interprofessionally aligned health care degree programs, as well as nationally recognized programs for marine science degrees, natural and social sciences degrees, arts and humanities degrees, and business degrees.