Single Idea 12170

[catalogued under 1. Philosophy / D. Nature of Philosophy / 8. Humour]

Full Idea

There are three common accounts of amusement: superiority theories (Hobbes's 'sudden glory'), 'relief from restraint' (Freud on jokes), and 'incongruity' theories (Schopenhauer).

Gist of Idea

Amusement rests on superiority, or relief, or incongruity

Source

Roger Scruton (Laughter [1982], §5)

Book Reference

Scruton,Roger: 'The Aesthetic Understanding' [Methuen 1983], p.156


A Reaction

All three contain some truth. But one need not feel superior to laugh, and one may already be in a state of unrestraint. Schopenhauer seems closest to a good general account.