Name: The origins of pleasure
Uploaded: 2011-07-27T14:52:08Z
Duration: 16 min
Description: Why do we like an original painting better than a forgery? Psychologist Paul Bloom argues that human beings are essentialists -- that our beliefs about the history of an object change how we experience it, not simply as an illusion, but as a deep feature of what pleasure (and pain) is.

Why do we like an original painting better than a forgery? Psychologist Paul Bloom argues that human beings are essentialists -- that our beliefs about the history of an object change how we experience it, not simply as an illusion, but as a deep feature of what pleasure (and pain) is.

Paul Bloom: The origins of pleasure

The origins of pleasure

Belief in the origins of an object, whether art, food, or music, significantly influences our pleasure and pain experiences.

The 'Clooney cooties' experiment reveals our attachment to objects isn't just about status but the essence and history behind them.

Joshua Bell's subway experiment shows context and awareness dramatically affect our appreciation and enjoyment of art and music.