more on this theme | more from this thinker
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 Ref
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.
12169 | Since only men laugh, it seems to be an attribute of reason [Scruton] |
12174 | Only rational beings are attentive without motive or concern [Scruton] |
12170 | Amusement rests on superiority, or relief, or incongruity [Scruton] |
12172 | Objects of amusement do not have to be real [Scruton] |
12173 | The central object of amusement is the human [Scruton] |