Passioni folli e illusioni scientifiche in The Expression of the Emotions di Charles Darwin

Abstract

[Deranged passions and scientific illusions in Charles Darwin’s “The Expression of the Emotions”]. Charles Darwin used, in his “science” of the expression of the emotions, various means and sources, chasing above all, in the research on the human expressions, spontaneity and lack of conditioning. Therefore, he opted for publishing photographs of the human expressions instead of drawings: in them the emotional conditioning of observer could more probably be transferred. Among the means which could help in seizing the spontaneity of expression, Darwin indicated the observation of the insane, because they have strongest passions and no control over them. But in the very rich route of Darwin’s research, photography seldom gives genuine fruits. The observation of insane reveals in the end unforeseen faces, and even photography’s limited ability to seize emotions and insanity.

Keywords

• c. darwin
• expression
• emotions/passions
• madness
• photography