First off, I am not convinced that tragedy is the foundation for horror. It is convenient to draw that conclusion, for very often tragic events befall characters in horror, but I think there are plenty of distinguishable characteristics. This point is not incredibly relevant to my take on Aristotle's theory however.
It seems unlikely to me that Aristotle's theory would work as an explanation for why people enjoy horror and tragedy. Even if we were to accept that this effect, this desensitizing, takes place by watching tragedy and horror, which I am not convinced of, I would find it surprising if people had this intent when they went to see horror and tragedy. No matter the benefit after the fact, the actual experience of horror and tragedy would not be changed significantly; it would still be unpleasant.
Question: Could desensitization also have a negative effect? Could we bear witness to so much horror and tragedy that it no longer strikes us as odd, as strange, as anything worth stopping?
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