Humor as Play, Laughter as Play Signal

Humor as Play, Laughter as Play Signal 2011 John MorreallFrom Comic Relief: A Comprehensive Philosophy of Humor

Humor as Play, Laughter as Play Signal

Standard EmotionsPractically oriented states in which an animal is motivated to do something conducive to its survival and/or the survival of the species.Fear, anger, disgust SadnessSexual passion, parental love

Standard Emotions(1) Beliefs and desires cause (2) physiological changes, which together motivate (3) adaptive actions. The persons (4) sensations of those physiological changes are the feelings in emotions.

Humorous AmusementPhysiological changesSensations of those changes

BUT no beliefs or desires are needed.There is no motivation for adaptive actions.

Emotions can be irrational by involving irrational beliefse.g., fear of yellow pencils.

But amusement cannot be irrational.

Emotions / HumourWe care about the object of emotion

We are seriousPractical orientation The beginnings of actions

We need not care about the object of amusementWe are not seriousNo practical orientationActions are blocked

The objects of emotions are people, things, or events. The objects of amusement need not be any of these.Oscar Wilde: Work is the curse of the drinking classes.Steven Wright: I saw a sign that said 24-HOUR BANKING. Who has time for that?Rita Rudner: A friend of mine was in labor for 36 hours. I dont even want to do something that feels good for 36 hours!urban Berbers

PlayThe only goal is pleasure.Normal concerns about what is true are suspended.Normal concerns about morality are suspended.Communication can be non-bona-fide.

GRICES RULESDo not say what you believe to be false.Do not say that for which you lack adequate evidence. Avoid obscurity of expression.Avoid ambiguity.Be brief.

Andy Kaufman (1949-1984)