Single Idea 12173

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

Full Idea

There are amusing buildings, but not amusing rocks and cliffs. If I were to propose a candidate for the formal object of amusement, then the human would be my choice, ...or at least emphasise its centrality.

Gist of Idea

The central object of amusement is the human

Source

Roger Scruton (Laughter [1982], §9)

Book Reference

Scruton,Roger: 'The Aesthetic Understanding' [Methuen 1983], p.163


A Reaction

Sounds good. Animal behaviour only seems to amuse if it evokes something human. Plants would have to look a bit human to be funny.