The Function, Variability and Diversity of Fiction: Insights from Artificial Intelligence and evolutionary sciences

This thesis addresses three key puzzles of fictional storytelling: the origin of fictional preferences, the structured diversity of stories, and the function of fiction. Part 1 examines the origins of preferences, highlighting the interplay of individual traits and environmental factors in shaping tastes, using the case of imaginary worlds. Part 2 proposes a framework to study the diversity of fictions, moving beyond genres to identify around 30 narrative elements that trigger evolved psychological mechanisms. Part 3 explores the function of fiction, proposing it as a technology that leverages evolved psychological mechanisms to fulfill adaptive goals, without itself being an adaptation. Through these contributions, this thesis offers novel insights into the psychological and evolutionary foundations of fictional storytelling, advancing explanations for its appeal and richness.

Jury : Jean-François Bonnefon (rapporteur), Sylvie Borau (rapporteure), Françoise Lavocat (examinatrice), Anne Besson (examinatrice), Éric Brousseau (examinateur), Valérian Chambon (invité), Nicolas Baumard (Directeur de thèse).