(Super) Mirror Neurons and the Contagious Nature of Evil 2: Artistic Contagion and Ethical Responsibility in J. M. Coetzee’s Elizabeth Costello

This paper explores the ethical complexities surrounding the contagious nature of art, with a particular focus on J. M. Coetzee’s Elizabeth Costello. It examines the ethical dilemmas that arise when art depicts evil and considers the moral responsibilities of both artists and readers. Coetzee argues that while art can foster empathy and altruism, it can also inadvertently spread violence and malevolence. Employing a neuroscientific perspective, this study analyzes the role of mirror neurons, which facilitate empathy and imitation, and super-mirror neurons, which help regulate these responses and can inhibit the spread of violence. Super-mirror neurons are identified as crucial mechanisms that modulate human aggression, playing an essential role in controlling the ethical contagion of art. This research re-evaluates the impact of artistic contagion on human behavior and social dynamics at the intersection of literature, neuroscience, and ethics. It aims to identify ways for artists and readers to effectively navigate the ethical challenges posed by the representation of evil in art.