PHIL 2140

This course emphasizes the overlapping aspects of philosophy and humour, as well as the role of humour in culture and valuing life. What is comedy? What is humour? What is laughter? What is the difference between laughing at people and laughing with them? Students explore the three traditional theories of humour (Superiority theory, Incongruity theory and Relief theory) as found in thinkers such as Plato, Hobbes, Kant, Schopenhauer, Spencer, and Freud. Students discuss Lenny Bruce's autobiography as a case study in problematic humour and free speech controversies. Lectures: Three hours a week