Humor powerpoint

1. Humor as Play, Laughter as Play Signal © 2011 John Morreall From Comic Relief: A Comprehensive Philosophy of Humor Humor as Play, Laughter as Play Signal

2. Standard Emotions Practically oriented states in which an animal is motivated to do something conducive to its survival and/or the survival of the species. Fear, anger, disgust Sadness Sexual passion, parental love

3. Standard Emotions (1) Beliefs and desires cause (2) physiological changes, which together motivate (3) adaptive actions. The person’s(4) sensations of those physiological changes are the “feelings” in emotions.

4. Humorous Amusement Physiological changes Sensations of those changes BUT no beliefs or desires are needed. There is no motivation for adaptive actions.

5. Emotions can be irrational by involving irrational beliefs—e.g., fear of yellow pencils.But amusement cannot be irrational.

6. Emotions / Humour We care about the object of emotion We are serious Practical orientation The beginnings of actions We need not care about the object of amusement We are not serious No practical orientation Actions are blocked

11. GRICE’S RULES Do not say what you believe to be false. Do not say that for which you lack adequate evidence. Avoid obscurity of expression. Avoid ambiguity. Be brief.

12. Andy Kaufman (1949-1984)