This thesis adopts science of feelings as its theoretical framework to clarify the inevitability of bodily and feelings changes and to establish an accurate understanding of one’s own body and feelings. Based on this, it conducts an in-depth analysi...
This thesis adopts science of feelings as its theoretical framework to clarify the inevitability of bodily and feelings changes and to establish an accurate understanding of one’s own body and feelings. Based on this, it conducts an in-depth analysis of the linguistic art of Chinese talk show. The study aims to explore how the linguistic art form of talk show evokes empathy in the audience regarding their bodily and feelings states through humorous language, and how it reveals the inevitability of subsequent feelings and the underlying philosophical ethics. This thesis not only offers a new theoretical perspective for the creation of talk show, but also verifies the universality and interpretive power of science of feelings in explaining cultural and artistic phenomena through concrete examples.
In the introduction, the thesis first outlines the research background, pointing out that talk show, as a rapidly emerging form of linguistic art, not only servesan entertainment function but also plays an important role in emotional healing. Drawing on the author’s own academic experience in broadcasting, hosting, and arts management, the study proposes the necessity of reexamining the linguisticart of talk show from the perspective of science of feelings. Affective science defines feelings as a change in the body accompanied by the mind’s perception of that change. This perspective provides a solid theoretical foundation for understanding how language triggers feelings shifts through bodily responses.
In the theoretical framework section, this paper focuses on organizing and integrating two major intellectual foundations: first, the Confucian philosophy of ‘GeWuZhiZhi,’ and second, the theory of feelings in ‘Spinoza’s Ethics.’ By examining the interpretations of ‘GeWuZhiZhi’ by Confucian scholars such as Zheng Xuan a nd Kong Yingda of the Han and Tang dynasties, as well as Cheng Hao and Cheng Yi of the Northern Song dynasty, the paper argues that the essence of ‘Ge Wu’ is not merely the investigation of external objects, but the observation and understanding of changes in the body (feelings) in order to grasp the underlying necessity. It also affirms the inherent nature of human beings as purely oriented toward goodness. Spinoza’s science of feelings theory further reinforces the coreidea that ‘feelings is a change of the body,’ and distinguishes between active and passive feelings. This provides a philosophical foundation for understanding how talk show use rational cognition to guide the audience toward a correct understanding of their own feelings.
In the core analytical chapter, the thesis conducts a cross-applied analysis of the ‘GeWuZhiZhi’ framework in science of feelings and the humor-creation mechanisms of talk show. The study argues that successful talk show humor is not accidental. rather, it is the result of the comedian’s careful observation of bodily changes such as nervousness, excitement, or embarrassment and the formation — —of corresponding concepts (GeWu), from which they extract universal emotionallogic (ZhiZhi). Through techniques such as self-deprecation and observational comedy, talk show are essentially engaging in a form of self-understanding and self-expression a practice of ‘self-cultivation.’ Their linguistic artistry becomes a —bridge connecting individual feelings with a universal understanding of human nature. Furthermore, through the integration of theory and case studies, the paperprovides a deeper analytical demonstration of the intrinsic connection between the spirit of humor and the spirit of comedy in talk shows, based on science of feelings theory. It points out that the origin of this connection lies in the recognition that the essence of all feelings is pure and inherently good. Humor does notarise from external satire or a sense of superiority, but is grounded in the affirmation of the goodness of human nature and an understanding of the necessity of one’s inherent nature. This perspective allows the language of talk shows to transcend superficial entertainment and reach the truth of feelings and philosophical reflection.
Lastly, the study summarized its findings by pointing out the validity of science of feelings theory in research on talk show language arts, as well as its value in the broader field of cultural and artistic studies. It also presented prospects for future research directions. The theory science of feelings not only offers theoretical guidance for the textual creation and performance practices of talk shows, but also provides a new methodology for understanding broader linguistic art phenomena. Future research may further expand the application of science of feelings across different cultural contexts and various artistic forms, and continue to deepen the philosophical exploration of the relationships among feelings, the body, and art.