Why Do Humans Smile Despite Its Origins in Fear?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion explores the origins and implications of smiling in humans, questioning why it is perceived positively despite its potential roots in fear. Participants examine the psychological and social effects of smiling, as well as its evolutionary background.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question why smiling is considered a positive expression, noting its association with baring teeth, which can be seen as aggressive in the animal kingdom.
  • Others suggest that smiling may have psychotherapeutic effects, potentially stimulating the production of beneficial chemicals.
  • There is a proposal that smiles could have evolved from fear expressions, as fear is often a submissive gesture that promotes social cooperation.
  • One participant notes that for humans, the act of raising hands is more aggressive than facial expressions, implying that smiling may serve a different social function.
  • Another perspective is introduced regarding dogs, which also smile by bearing teeth when happy, suggesting a possible link between predatory behavior and expressions of happiness.
  • A participant expresses interest in the types of chemicals released when one is smiled at, indicating a curiosity about the physiological aspects of smiling.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present multiple competing views on the origins and implications of smiling, with no consensus reached on its evolutionary background or psychological effects.

Contextual Notes

Some claims depend on specific research findings that are not detailed in the discussion, and there are unresolved questions regarding the physiological mechanisms behind smiling.

Mentat
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Why is smiling considered a good thing? For that matter, why does happiness cause us to smile?

Smiling usually requires a baring of one's teeth at another...isn't that usually a bad thing in the Animal Kingdom?
 
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I think some research has indicated that smiling has a psychotheraputic effect - the action stimulates the production of certain chemicals, which are generally beneficial.

Some other research suggest that smiles evolved from the expression of fear. If you think about it, that isn't such a bad idea, since fear responses are generally a submissive gesture, and so encourage social cooperation as smiles generally do today.
 
It's also worth noting that for humans, teeth are not what we fight with. Raising your hands is much more aggressive than anything you can do with your face, especially if you're holding a stick.

A secondary issue is that smiling has more to do with the shape of the lips than it does with showing the teeth.
 
Dogs also smile, bearing teeth, when happy. Perhaps because predatory animals are happy when hunting and killing, using their chompers? We humans are, after all, predators.
 
Originally posted by FZ+
I think some research has indicated that smiling has a psychotheraputic effect - the action stimulates the production of certain chemicals, which are generally beneficial.

Some other research suggest that smiles evolved from the expression of fear. If you think about it, that isn't such a bad idea, since fear responses are generally a submissive gesture, and so encourage social cooperation as smiles generally do today.

Hmm...yeah, I like that point on submission. What kind of chemicals would be secreted when one is smiled at?
 

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