Single Idea 6847

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

Full Idea

Humour provides an oblique phenomenology of ordinary life; it is a way of describing the situation of our existence, and, at its best, it indicates how we might change that situation.

Gist of Idea

Humour can give a phenomenological account of existence, and point to change

Source

Simon Critchley (Interview with Baggini and Stangroom [2001], p.198)

Book Reference

Baggini,J/Stangroom,J: 'New British Philosophy' [Routledge 2002], p.198


A Reaction

The trouble is that this leads us to relentlessly political standup comedians who aren't very funny. Critichley may have a problem with remarks which are very funny precisely because they are so politically incorrect. I sympathise, though.