Question

In "Archimedes Principle: How We Sense the Inner Worlds of Other Hearts," the authors argue facial expressions that display emotions (such as sorrow, joy, anger) are not consistent across the globe, but differ according to culture.

A. True

B. False

Answer 1

The assertion that facial expressions displaying emotions are not consistent across the globe is false. Universal emotions with corresponding facial expressions have been identified through decades of research by Paul Ekman, indicating a biological basis rather than a cultural one for these expressions.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement in the question - that facial expressions that display emotions differ according to culture across the globe - is false. Paul Ekman's research, including his fieldwork in New Guinea, shows that the ability to produce and recognize facial expressions of emotions is universal, transcending cultural boundaries. While cultural display rules may govern the appropriateness of showing certain emotions in different contexts, Ekman identified seven universal emotions, including happiness, surprise, sadness, fright, disgust, contempt, and anger, each associated with distinct facial expressions.

Ekman's conclusions are supported by the observation that even congenitally blind individuals, who have never seen facial expressions, produce similar expressions when experiencing these emotions. This suggests a biological basis for emotional expressions. Moreover, these findings are in line with Charles Darwin's earlier work, emphasizing the evolutionary perspective on the universality of facial expressions in expressing emotions.

Answer 2

The claim that facial expressions displaying emotions differ according to culture globally is false, as research by Paul Ekman and others demonstrates that certain core emotional expressions are universal.

Step-by-step explanation:

The assertion posed in the question is false. The research conducted by Paul Ekman has demonstrated that while there may be cultural differences influencing when and how emotions are expressed, the facial expressions for core emotions are universally recognized. Ekman's extensive research, starting with his fieldwork in New Guinea, has shown that emotions such as happiness, surprise, sadness, fright, disgust, contempt, and anger are associated with distinct facial expressions that are consistent across different cultures.

These findings were further supported by observations of congenitally blind individuals who exhibit similar facial expressions of emotions, despite never having seen them. This evidence aligns with Charles Darwin's 19th-century proposition that emotional expressions are universal among humans. Therefore, despite cultural display rules affecting the expression of emotions, the ability to produce and recognize these expressions is inherent.