Plato, Aristotle, Hobbes
Laughter as Derision
Humor is essentially a form of malice. We laugh at the misfortunes, deformities, or stupidity of others because it creates a sudden sense of superiority in the observer.
An exploration into the cognitive mechanisms behind why we laugh. From ancient philosophy to evolutionary psychology.
Begin ExplorationHumor is essentially a form of malice. We laugh at the misfortunes, deformities, or stupidity of others because it creates a sudden sense of superiority in the observer.
Humor arises when we encounter something that violates our mental patterns or expectations. The brain resolves the contradiction between the expected and the actual through laughter.
Laughter is a physiological mechanism to release excess psychic energy. It acts as a safety valve for built-up tension, repression, or stress.
Humor occurs when a violation (something wrong, threatening, or confusing) is simultaneously interpreted as benign (okay, safe, or playful).
Humor arises from the shift between the "ontic" (objective reality) and the "epistemic" (subjective knowledge). We laugh when we realize our model of the world is flawed.
The brain is a prediction machine. Humor rewards the brain for realizing a false prediction and instantly shifting to a new, correct pattern.
Humor acts as a fitness indicator. Producing high-quality humor requires intelligence and creativity, signaling desirable genetic traits to potential mates.
Apply the theories to build your own jokes.