Is This Class a Joke: Philosophical Theories of Humor

E.B. White once said that “Analyzing humor is like dissecting a frog. Few people are interested and the frog dies of it.” In this class, students will ignore White’s warning and explore a series of philosophical theories of humor, including superiority, sentimentalist, incongruity, and relief theories. Along the way they will consider related topics such as the relationship between humor and laughter, the evolution of humor, and the social function of funniness. Students will emerge with a deeper understanding – and hopefully a greater appreciation – of the nature and significance of humor.