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The Why Factor: Disgust

Disgust

10/05/2013

BBC World Service - The Why Factor, Disgust

Disgust is an emotion that we all experience, but what purpose does it serve? And what role does it play in our moral judgements?

Disgust is something that we all experience, but what purpose does it serve? And what role does it play in our moral judgements?

Mike Williams speaks to the ‘disgustologist’ Val Curtis about how revulsion protects us from disease and learns how disgust can be used – and abused - as a political weapon.  

He tests the limits of his own disgust, finds out what it’s like to be the object of someone else’s disgust and explores the idea that there is “wisdom in repugnance” with philosopher Steve Clarke. 


(Image of actor and comedian Frankie Howerd tasting his own cooking at home. Credit: Getty Images)

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