Single Idea 12172

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

Full Idea

It is a matter of indifference whether the object of amusement be thought to be real.

Gist of Idea

Objects of amusement do not have to be real

Source

Roger Scruton (Laughter [1982], §7)

Book Reference

Scruton,Roger: 'The Aesthetic Understanding' [Methuen 1983], p.159


A Reaction

Sort of. If I say 'wouldn't it be funny if someone did x?', it is probably much less funny than if I say 'apparently he really did x'. The fantasy case has to be much funnier to evoke the laughter.