Single Idea 22701

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

Full Idea

Sometimes it is exactly what is offensive about a joke that makes it funny.

Gist of Idea

Jokes can sometimes be funny because they are offensive

Source

Daniel Jacobson (Ethical Criticism and the Vice of Moderation [2006], 'emotional')

Book Reference

'Aesthetics and the Phil of Art (debates)', ed/tr. Kieran,Matthew [Blackwell 2004], p.350


A Reaction

Jacobson offers this in support of his immoralist view, that immoral literature can be aesthetically successful. It is uncomfortable to find yourself laughing at a joke of which you disapprove.

Related Idea

Idea 22697 Moral defects of art can be among its aesthetic virtues [Jacobson,D]