Laughter, Humor, and Comedy in Ancient Philosophy

Laughter, Humor, and Comedy in Ancient Philosophy

Author: Pierre Destrée

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Published: 2019-08-06

Total Pages: 352

ISBN-13: 0190460555

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Ancient philosophers considered question about laughter, humor, and comedy to be both philosophically interesting and important. They theorized about laughter and its causes, moralized about the appropriate uses of humor and what it is appropriate to laugh at, and wrote treaties on comedic composition. They were often merciless in ridiculing their opponents' positions, borrowing comedic devices and techniques from comic poetry and drama to do so. This volume is organized around three sets of questions that illuminate the philosophical concerns and corresponding range of answers found in ancient philosophy. The first set investigates the psychology of laughter. What is going on in our minds when we laugh? What background conditions must be in place for laughter to occur? Is laughter necessarily hostile or derisive? The second set of questions concerns the ethical and social norms governing laughter and humor. When is it appropriate or inappropriate to laugh? Does laughter have a positive social function? Is there a virtue, or excellence, connected to laugher and humor? The third set of questions concerns the philosophical uses of humor and comedic technique. Do philosophers use humor exclusively in criticizing rivals, or can it play a positive educational role as well? If it can, how does philosophical humor communicate its philosophical content? This volume does not aim to settle these fascinating questions but more importantly to start a conversation about them, and serve as a reference point for discussions of laughter, humor, and comedy in ancient philosophy.


Book Synopsis Laughter, Humor, and Comedy in Ancient Philosophy by : Pierre Destrée

Download or read book Laughter, Humor, and Comedy in Ancient Philosophy written by Pierre Destrée and published by Oxford University Press. This book was released on 2019-08-06 with total page 352 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Ancient philosophers considered question about laughter, humor, and comedy to be both philosophically interesting and important. They theorized about laughter and its causes, moralized about the appropriate uses of humor and what it is appropriate to laugh at, and wrote treaties on comedic composition. They were often merciless in ridiculing their opponents' positions, borrowing comedic devices and techniques from comic poetry and drama to do so. This volume is organized around three sets of questions that illuminate the philosophical concerns and corresponding range of answers found in ancient philosophy. The first set investigates the psychology of laughter. What is going on in our minds when we laugh? What background conditions must be in place for laughter to occur? Is laughter necessarily hostile or derisive? The second set of questions concerns the ethical and social norms governing laughter and humor. When is it appropriate or inappropriate to laugh? Does laughter have a positive social function? Is there a virtue, or excellence, connected to laugher and humor? The third set of questions concerns the philosophical uses of humor and comedic technique. Do philosophers use humor exclusively in criticizing rivals, or can it play a positive educational role as well? If it can, how does philosophical humor communicate its philosophical content? This volume does not aim to settle these fascinating questions but more importantly to start a conversation about them, and serve as a reference point for discussions of laughter, humor, and comedy in ancient philosophy.

Making Philosophy Laugh

Making Philosophy Laugh

Author: Dustin Peone

Publisher: Wipf and Stock Publishers

Published: 2023-10-31

Total Pages: 167

ISBN-13: 1666755990

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Contemporary philosophy has adopted an increasingly tragic point of view. Tragedy, though, is only a partial truth of the human condition. Comedy is another partial truth. The nature of human existence is neither wholly the one nor the other, but tragi-comic. Philosophy must be attuned to both despair and laughter if it is to understand its own world. In Making Philosophy Laugh, the philosopher Dustin Peone makes an apology for the comic side of existence and its use in philosophy. He demonstrates the social and moral uses of humor and analyzes its significance for speculative thinking. Folly and irony are shown to be vital facets of dialectical philosophy. The reader is introduced to the comical side of Socrates and Homer, Descartes and Vico, Kant and Hegel, and many others. Finally, a doctrine of the tragi-comic sense of life is presented that does justice to all aspects of human existence and liberates the spirit from the grimness of serious thought.


Book Synopsis Making Philosophy Laugh by : Dustin Peone

Download or read book Making Philosophy Laugh written by Dustin Peone and published by Wipf and Stock Publishers. This book was released on 2023-10-31 with total page 167 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Contemporary philosophy has adopted an increasingly tragic point of view. Tragedy, though, is only a partial truth of the human condition. Comedy is another partial truth. The nature of human existence is neither wholly the one nor the other, but tragi-comic. Philosophy must be attuned to both despair and laughter if it is to understand its own world. In Making Philosophy Laugh, the philosopher Dustin Peone makes an apology for the comic side of existence and its use in philosophy. He demonstrates the social and moral uses of humor and analyzes its significance for speculative thinking. Folly and irony are shown to be vital facets of dialectical philosophy. The reader is introduced to the comical side of Socrates and Homer, Descartes and Vico, Kant and Hegel, and many others. Finally, a doctrine of the tragi-comic sense of life is presented that does justice to all aspects of human existence and liberates the spirit from the grimness of serious thought.

Making Philosophy Laugh

Making Philosophy Laugh

Author: Dustin Peone

Publisher: Wipf and Stock Publishers

Published: 2023-10-31

Total Pages: 149

ISBN-13: 1666756016

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Contemporary philosophy has adopted an increasingly tragic point of view. Tragedy, though, is only a partial truth of the human condition. Comedy is another partial truth. The nature of human existence is neither wholly the one nor the other, but tragi-comic. Philosophy must be attuned to both despair and laughter if it is to understand its own world. In Making Philosophy Laugh, the philosopher Dustin Peone makes an apology for the comic side of existence and its use in philosophy. He demonstrates the social and moral uses of humor and analyzes its significance for speculative thinking. Folly and irony are shown to be vital facets of dialectical philosophy. The reader is introduced to the comical side of Socrates and Homer, Descartes and Vico, Kant and Hegel, and many others. Finally, a doctrine of the tragi-comic sense of life is presented that does justice to all aspects of human existence and liberates the spirit from the grimness of serious thought.


Book Synopsis Making Philosophy Laugh by : Dustin Peone

Download or read book Making Philosophy Laugh written by Dustin Peone and published by Wipf and Stock Publishers. This book was released on 2023-10-31 with total page 149 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Contemporary philosophy has adopted an increasingly tragic point of view. Tragedy, though, is only a partial truth of the human condition. Comedy is another partial truth. The nature of human existence is neither wholly the one nor the other, but tragi-comic. Philosophy must be attuned to both despair and laughter if it is to understand its own world. In Making Philosophy Laugh, the philosopher Dustin Peone makes an apology for the comic side of existence and its use in philosophy. He demonstrates the social and moral uses of humor and analyzes its significance for speculative thinking. Folly and irony are shown to be vital facets of dialectical philosophy. The reader is introduced to the comical side of Socrates and Homer, Descartes and Vico, Kant and Hegel, and many others. Finally, a doctrine of the tragi-comic sense of life is presented that does justice to all aspects of human existence and liberates the spirit from the grimness of serious thought.

Humor, Laughter and Human Flourishing

Humor, Laughter and Human Flourishing

Author: Mordechai Gordon

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2013-08-13

Total Pages: 109

ISBN-13: 331900834X

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This book is a philosophical investigation of the significance of humor and laughter, examining its relation to other human phenomena including truth, nihilism, dreams, friendship, intimacy, aesthetic experience, self-transcendence and education. The author addresses the relative neglect of humor and laughter among philosophers of education with this volume, where the focus is on the significance of humor and laughter for human flourishing. Central questions are threaded through this work: What does the study of humor and laughter bring to philosophy and specifically to philosophy of education? How is humorist thinking different from other modes of human knowing? What might happen if we were to respond to the absurdity of human existence with humor and laughter? What insights can be learned from a philosophical investigation of humor in relationship to other human phenomena such as dreams, friendship, intimacy, aesthetic experience and self-transcendence? And, finally, how can humor and laughter enhance human existence and flourishing? The author presents groundbreaking insights into what can be gained from a study of humor and laughter about human existence in general and flourishing in particular. This work will be of interest to philosophers, especially philosophers of education, as well as to teachers and educators. Its unique blend of philosophical investigation and humorous discourse is both a rigorous and accessible analysis of humor.


Book Synopsis Humor, Laughter and Human Flourishing by : Mordechai Gordon

Download or read book Humor, Laughter and Human Flourishing written by Mordechai Gordon and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2013-08-13 with total page 109 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book is a philosophical investigation of the significance of humor and laughter, examining its relation to other human phenomena including truth, nihilism, dreams, friendship, intimacy, aesthetic experience, self-transcendence and education. The author addresses the relative neglect of humor and laughter among philosophers of education with this volume, where the focus is on the significance of humor and laughter for human flourishing. Central questions are threaded through this work: What does the study of humor and laughter bring to philosophy and specifically to philosophy of education? How is humorist thinking different from other modes of human knowing? What might happen if we were to respond to the absurdity of human existence with humor and laughter? What insights can be learned from a philosophical investigation of humor in relationship to other human phenomena such as dreams, friendship, intimacy, aesthetic experience and self-transcendence? And, finally, how can humor and laughter enhance human existence and flourishing? The author presents groundbreaking insights into what can be gained from a study of humor and laughter about human existence in general and flourishing in particular. This work will be of interest to philosophers, especially philosophers of education, as well as to teachers and educators. Its unique blend of philosophical investigation and humorous discourse is both a rigorous and accessible analysis of humor.

The Philosophy of Laughter and Smiling

The Philosophy of Laughter and Smiling

Author: George Vasey

Publisher:

Published: 1875

Total Pages: 246

ISBN-13:

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Book Synopsis The Philosophy of Laughter and Smiling by : George Vasey

Download or read book The Philosophy of Laughter and Smiling written by George Vasey and published by . This book was released on 1875 with total page 246 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Laughter

Laughter

Author: Henri Bergson

Publisher:

Published: 1914

Total Pages: 244

ISBN-13:

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Book Synopsis Laughter by : Henri Bergson

Download or read book Laughter written by Henri Bergson and published by . This book was released on 1914 with total page 244 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

The Philosophy of Laughter and Humor

The Philosophy of Laughter and Humor

Author: John Morreall

Publisher: Suny Press

Published: 1987

Total Pages: 296

ISBN-13:

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This book assesses the adequacy of the traditional theories of laughter and humor, suggests revised theories, and explores such areas as the aesthetics and ethics of humor, and the relation of amusement to other mental states. Theories of laughter and humor originated in ancient times with the view that laughter is an expression of feelings of superiority over another person. This superiority theory was held by Plato, Aristotle, and Hobbes. Another aspect of laughter, noted by Aristotle and Cicero and neglected until Kant and Schopenhauer developed it into the incongruity theory, is that laughter is often a reaction to the perception of some incongruity. According to the third and latest traditional theory, the relief theory of Herbert Spencer and Freud, laughter is the venting of superfluous nervous energy. Historical examples of all these theories are presented along with hybrid theories such as those of Descartes and Bergson. The book also features traditional explorations of the place of humor in aesthetics, drama, and literature. This is the first work in the last fifty years to include the classic sources in the philosophy of humor and the first to present theories by contemporary philosophers.


Book Synopsis The Philosophy of Laughter and Humor by : John Morreall

Download or read book The Philosophy of Laughter and Humor written by John Morreall and published by Suny Press. This book was released on 1987 with total page 296 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book assesses the adequacy of the traditional theories of laughter and humor, suggests revised theories, and explores such areas as the aesthetics and ethics of humor, and the relation of amusement to other mental states. Theories of laughter and humor originated in ancient times with the view that laughter is an expression of feelings of superiority over another person. This superiority theory was held by Plato, Aristotle, and Hobbes. Another aspect of laughter, noted by Aristotle and Cicero and neglected until Kant and Schopenhauer developed it into the incongruity theory, is that laughter is often a reaction to the perception of some incongruity. According to the third and latest traditional theory, the relief theory of Herbert Spencer and Freud, laughter is the venting of superfluous nervous energy. Historical examples of all these theories are presented along with hybrid theories such as those of Descartes and Bergson. The book also features traditional explorations of the place of humor in aesthetics, drama, and literature. This is the first work in the last fifty years to include the classic sources in the philosophy of humor and the first to present theories by contemporary philosophers.

Funny Haha

Funny Haha

Author: Jayme Mitsche

Publisher:

Published: 2016-11-01

Total Pages: 105

ISBN-13: 9781520120188

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Laughter itself might really be a funny thing. For, while we all laugh and some of us would even prefer nothing else to laughing, nobody seems to quite know what laughter itself is. And this is puzzling. So far, humans are known as the only animals who laugh and who are in need of laughter; and we do so in many ways and for a host of reasons. Yet, none of the great minds have ever managed to say once and for all what laughter is, in its essence. But that is about to change. In "Funny Haha: The Philosophy of Laughter in Three Easy Chapters Plus One," you will learn that laughter is nothing but the physical reaction of understanding. This proposition is validated by the observation that of all human physical reactions, only laughter depends strictly on understanding. As the pivotal premise of the book, this paves the way for a systematic discussion of the constitutive elements of the "comedic" and the "comical" as expressed in what in real-life situations, as well as on the stage, is considered to be "funny," and consequently makes you laugh. Building on a conceptual distinction of the concepts above, an original philosophical examination is put forward that sheds light on what exactly goes on, for instance, when you laugh at getting tickled, when you laugh to yourself, and on why we all tend to find it "funny" when somebody falls. Drawing on examples from popular comedies such as Nathan for You, Silicon Valley, The Big Bang Theory, and Seinfeld, and on comedy acts like those of Chris Rock, John Oliver or Joan Rivers, a philosophical bridge is projected from real-life situations to staged funniness and jocularity. Thus, a comprehensive philosophical understanding emerges of what it means to be funny-haha. And, at the same time, a methodic analysis is provided of the techniques that give funny-haha its essence. After reading this book you will get to know yourself, maybe not better but a bit deeper. For you will have developed an individual consciousness of what is it that makes you laugh and what for you is haha-funny. And that might even make you more human.


Book Synopsis Funny Haha by : Jayme Mitsche

Download or read book Funny Haha written by Jayme Mitsche and published by . This book was released on 2016-11-01 with total page 105 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Laughter itself might really be a funny thing. For, while we all laugh and some of us would even prefer nothing else to laughing, nobody seems to quite know what laughter itself is. And this is puzzling. So far, humans are known as the only animals who laugh and who are in need of laughter; and we do so in many ways and for a host of reasons. Yet, none of the great minds have ever managed to say once and for all what laughter is, in its essence. But that is about to change. In "Funny Haha: The Philosophy of Laughter in Three Easy Chapters Plus One," you will learn that laughter is nothing but the physical reaction of understanding. This proposition is validated by the observation that of all human physical reactions, only laughter depends strictly on understanding. As the pivotal premise of the book, this paves the way for a systematic discussion of the constitutive elements of the "comedic" and the "comical" as expressed in what in real-life situations, as well as on the stage, is considered to be "funny," and consequently makes you laugh. Building on a conceptual distinction of the concepts above, an original philosophical examination is put forward that sheds light on what exactly goes on, for instance, when you laugh at getting tickled, when you laugh to yourself, and on why we all tend to find it "funny" when somebody falls. Drawing on examples from popular comedies such as Nathan for You, Silicon Valley, The Big Bang Theory, and Seinfeld, and on comedy acts like those of Chris Rock, John Oliver or Joan Rivers, a philosophical bridge is projected from real-life situations to staged funniness and jocularity. Thus, a comprehensive philosophical understanding emerges of what it means to be funny-haha. And, at the same time, a methodic analysis is provided of the techniques that give funny-haha its essence. After reading this book you will get to know yourself, maybe not better but a bit deeper. For you will have developed an individual consciousness of what is it that makes you laugh and what for you is haha-funny. And that might even make you more human.

The Philosophy of Laughter and Smiling ... Illustrated, Etc

The Philosophy of Laughter and Smiling ... Illustrated, Etc

Author: George VASEY (Miscellaneous Writer.)

Publisher:

Published: 1875

Total Pages: 244

ISBN-13:

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Book Synopsis The Philosophy of Laughter and Smiling ... Illustrated, Etc by : George VASEY (Miscellaneous Writer.)

Download or read book The Philosophy of Laughter and Smiling ... Illustrated, Etc written by George VASEY (Miscellaneous Writer.) and published by . This book was released on 1875 with total page 244 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

The Philosophy of Laughter and Smiling

The Philosophy of Laughter and Smiling

Author: Geo. Vasey

Publisher: BoD – Books on Demand

Published: 2024-05-08

Total Pages: 234

ISBN-13: 3385257026

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Reprint of the original, first published in 1875.


Book Synopsis The Philosophy of Laughter and Smiling by : Geo. Vasey

Download or read book The Philosophy of Laughter and Smiling written by Geo. Vasey and published by BoD – Books on Demand. This book was released on 2024-05-08 with total page 234 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Reprint of the original, first published in 1875.