The Philosophy of Humor: What Makes Something Funny?

Introduction

This tutorial explores the philosophy of humor, focusing on different theories that explain what makes something funny. Understanding these theories can enhance your appreciation of humor and improve your comedic timing in conversations or performances. We'll delve into three main theories: superiority, relief, and incongruity, each offering unique insights into the nature of humor.

Chapter 1: The Superiority Theory of Humor

The superiority theory posits that humor arises from a feeling of superiority over others. Here’s how it works:

• Feeling Superior: When we laugh at someone, we often do so because we feel better than them. For instance, slipping on a banana peel can evoke laughter because it highlights our own stability compared to the person who fell.
• Examples of Superiority:
  • Socrates vs. Celebrity: Socrates saying he is the most attractive man is humorous because it contrasts with our perceptions of him. In contrast, a celebrity making the same claim is less funny because the assertion of superiority is clear.
• Limitations:
  • Not all humor derives from feelings of superiority. Sometimes, we find things funny that don’t involve comparison, indicating that the superiority theory doesn't encompass all humor.

Practical Tips:

• Use self-deprecating humor to connect with others and avoid coming off as smug.
• Recognize that humor can arise from shared experiences rather than superiority.

Chapter 2: The Relief Theory of Humor

The relief theory suggests that laughter serves as a release of pent-up emotions or tension. Here are the key points:

• Release of Tension: Humor can provide relief from anxiety or stress, allowing us to vent feelings that are otherwise suppressed. For example, a criminal joking about his execution illustrates how humor can alleviate discomfort.
• Examples of Relief:
  • Freud's example of a criminal humorously accepting his fate shows how laughter can emerge from tension release.
  • Some jokes, like Steven Wright’s quip about fingers, do not require built-up tension to be funny; they rely on the absurdity of the statement itself.
• Limitations:
  • Not all humor involves releasing built-up pressure, which makes the relief theory incomplete.

Practical Tips:

• Use humor as a coping mechanism in stressful situations to diffuse tension.
• Recognize that not all jokes will resonate with audiences expecting emotional release.

Chapter 3: The Incongruity Theory of Humor

The incongruity theory claims that humor arises from a mismatch between expectation and reality. Here’s how it works:

• Recognition of Dissonance: Humor occurs when we encounter something unexpected that deviates from our assumptions. This surprise leads to laughter as we reinterpret the setup.
• Examples of Incongruity:
  • Jokes that play with language, such as the riddle about 6 and 7, rely on wordplay that creates a sudden shift in understanding.
  • The artist's request to his lover is funny because the incongruity is resolved through a reinterpretation of his words.
• Limitations:
  • The theory mainly applies to verbal humor and has broad interpretations, making it hard to define and test.

Practical Tips:

• Incorporate unexpected twists in your jokes or storytelling to enhance humor.
• Understand that humor often involves a playful approach to incongruities in life.

Conclusion

Humor is a complex interplay of various theories, with no single explanation that fits all instances of what makes us laugh. The superiority, relief, and incongruity theories all contribute to our understanding but have their limitations. To effectively use humor in your life, consider blending insights from all three theories. Whether you’re crafting jokes, engaging in conversation, or simply enjoying comedy, recognizing the nuances of humor can enhance your experience and connection with others.