Comic Relief: A Comprehensive Philosophy of Humor (Morreal)

Areas for Discussion, Chapters 1 & 2

Negative thoughts of and oppositions to humor (Biblical, classical, early Christian), especially Plato and Thomas Hobbes

Defenses of Humor, esp. Aristotle and Thomas Acquinas

The Enlightenment and Humor

The Superiority Theory, advocates, viewpoints, and flaws

The Incongruity Theory, advocates, viewpoints, and flaws

The Relief Theory, advocates, viewpoints, and flaws

Cognitive Dissonance

The Relaxation Theory, advocates, viewpoints, and flaws

Amusement Versus Emotion

Humor as Play, and Laughter as Play Signals