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Home , Absurdism, Humorism, Mona Hatoum, Nuptials (essays), The Fall (Camus novel)

A Critique of Humoristic

A Critique of Humoristic Absurdism Problematizing the legitimacy of a humoristic disposition toward the Absurd

A Critique of Humoristic Absurdism

Copyright © 2020 Thom Hamer Thom Hamer All rights reserved. No part of this thesis may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any way or by any means without the prior permission of the author or, when applicable, of the publishers of the scientific papers.

Image on previous page: Yue Minjun (2003), Garbage Hill Student number: 3982815 Graphic design: Mirelle van Tulder Date: February 5th 2020 Printed by Ipskamp Printing Word count: 32,397 Institution: Utrecht University Contents Study: Research Master Summary 9 Document: Final Thesis Foreword 10 Supervisor: prof. dr. Paul Ziche Introduction 12 Second Reader: dr. Hans van Stralen 1. The Philosophy of Humor 21 Third Reader: prof. dr. Mauro Bonazzi 1.1. A history of negligence and rejection 24 1.2. Important distinctions 33 1.3. Theories of humor 34 1.4. Defense of the Incongruity Theory 41 1.5. Relevance of relief and devaluation 52 1.6. Operational definition 54

2. The Notion of the Absurd 59 2.1. Camusian notion: meaninglessness 61 2.2. Tolstoyan notion: mortality 63 2.3. Nagelian notion: trivial commitments 67 2.4. Modified notion: dissolution of resolution 71 2.5. Justificatory guideline for a disposition toward the Absurd 78

3. Humoristic Absurdism 83 3.1. What is Humoristic Absurdism? 85 3.2. Cultural expressions of Humoristic Absurdism 87 3.3. Defense of Humoristic Absurdism 92

4. Objections against the humoristic disposition toward the Absurd 101 4.1. The Superiority Objection 103 4.2. The Irrationality Objection 112 4.3. The Irresponsibility Objection 125 4.4. The Frivolity Objection 131

5. Metamodern Absurdism 141 5.1. What is ? 143 5.2. What is Metamodern Absurdism? 148 5.3. Preliminary Defense of Metamodern Absurdism 152

6. Conclusion 157 Bibliography 163 9 Summary for desire humor be integratedhumor in a legitimate disposition toward the Absurd. ultimate resolution, which is fundamental to the the of Absurd. notion In an toattempt explore alternative in humor a legitimate for roles disposition towardthe Absurd, Metamodern Absurdism is suggested, which revolves oscillation between andaround earnestness. humor post-ironic a In short, only in limited a role an pole of to oscillatory one pattern responses of can Summary what extent canTo humorism be legitimatea disposition toward the Absurd?The Absurd is born from the insurmountable contradiction ceaseless betweenstriving one’s and the an absenceof ultimate – resolution Humoristic to call Absurdism as I prefer it, resolution’. of the ‘dissolution or, is the to commitment pattern a responses humorous to of the Absurd, which regard this absurd condition, as as well its manifestation in absurd situations, as a comical Although phenomenon. the humoristic disposition seemspromising, virtue by recognition humor’s of incongruity of andits denial an of ultimate resolution, and succeeds in countering three major objections, falls it to prey the claim humorism that portrays comprehensive as frivolous what is earnest, thereby renouncing the gravity the of Foreword 10 all understand what I am saying in this thesis, or in philosophical philosophical other or in thesis, this in saying Iam what understand all you not at might Although endeavors. literary and myme academic in for my supporting parents, I thank domain, academic of the Outside condition. absurd the to responses possible wellas as Absurd, notion of the the texts, the face of as bythe fromAbsurd out,wellasfleshing literary philosophical in of humorism investigation the helped me with has dr. Stralen van Hans My second reader of my argumentation. analysis thorough and subtleties etymological and of semantic lucid knowledge, awareness encyclopedic mind-boggling his with thesis, of this progression a decisive the role in played has Ziche Paul dr. prof. supervisor, first my As guidance. substantive for their my supervisors thank to like prof. Iwould also dr. Bonazzi. Mauro dr. and prof. coordinators Joel Anderson dr.supervisor RMA Ziche and Paul my primary Lammerts, Marloes advisor study thank to I would like for which struggle, this during support Luckily, Ienjoyed widespread much Iwould have as liked. ( RSI with Igot diagnosed painting), drawing, composing, micromovements (writing, involve activities my main that fact the with tendencies,along workaholic to Due hindrances. medical from stemmed Rather, difficulty the inquiry. philosophical this of to some problem other because immanent nor argument, the within upon inexorable contradictions I stumbled Not because spotless. not been has thesis this of writing process The 2020. January 2019 to February from thesis this writing and at Utrecht Philosophy researching University. in in engaged Iwas Program Master’s Research the of ECTS) (30 course final the of part as written ‘A Absurdism’. Before thesis been Itof you the Humoristic has lies Critique Foreword repetitive strainrepetitive injury ). This prevented me from progressing as as prevented progressing me from ). This

February 5th, 2020 5th, February Utrecht Hamer Thom incongruities. for risible its then not if for coherent inquiry, its argumentation, philosophical this enjoy Ihope you text. this read to time the you forTo taking my thank readers: of the Absurd. of the face the in humorism your exemplary and discussions substantive support, of humor. sense you for eccentric your an emotional Thank with Absurd the of awareness deep a by defined been always has friendship Our Dijk. van Marvik particular: in project this and general in of my writings supporter important most the thanking without project concludeI cannot this involves incongruity. my contention humorin essentially that tremendous upon my impact account of humor, stubborn I remain although had of humor has Theory Incongruity the to opposition in examples and of humor. critic of counterarguments summation Her extensive funniest the being for Kempers Bernet Eva friend my thank to like would I addition, In have for. hoped Icould moreis than for matter, that youprojects for my acknowledge passion philosophy, which

11 Foreword Introduction 12 2 1 Absurd the toward words: other (in adisposition Absurdism’ ‘Humoristic of Icall what status the examine critically to paper purports This Absurd? mechanism. of coping kind effective an it as portraying Absurd, face of the the in disposition such ahumoristic justify to have attempted Plant Bob and me over!” Recently, such John Marmysz as well done! philosophers Turn “I’m hours: for and hours on agridiron roasted been having after shouted, cheerfully Lawrence, Saint martyrs, Christian one early of it the that has Legend history. human have condition not absent from absurd been the at response seems sight:first suicide.natural Yet, humorous to responses one that tragic dreadfully so is Absurd atragedy. it is the Indeed, Absurd: of the status primary leaves no the room for doubt regarding of Absurdism, of Sisyphus Myth of paragraph above-quoted opening The mirth. of and laughter source a as of think of Absurdism tradition philosophical the in few very for Python, Monty example, with, of aform humorto associated referring of ‘Absurdism’ discourse, everyday in the to Contrary Introduction

“Absurdity, Incongruity and Laughter,” Laughter,” and Incongruity “Absurdity, , Camus, Albert John Marmysz, Marmysz, John To what extent can humorism be a legitimate disposition toward the the toward disposition alegitimate be humorism To can extent what intellect. the to clear become they before study careful for call they yet feel; can heart the facts are These act. definitive the precede reply, of that for it will importance the appreciate can you example, by preach must respect, our deserve philosopher, to a that claims, Nietzsche as true, is it if And answer. first must one games; are These afterwards. –comes categories or twelve nine has mind the whether dimensions, three world has or not the whether – rest the of All philosophy. question fundamental the answering to amounts living not worth or is is life whether Judging suicide. is that and problem philosophical serious but one truly is There of Myth The Laughing at Nothing: Humor as a Response to to aResponse as Humor Nothing: at Laughing (1942), arguably the most important essay in the history history the in essay important most the (1942), arguably , trans. Justin O’Brien, 2013. O’Brien, Justin , trans. Philosophy 84, no. 1 (2009): 111–134. 1(2009): no. 84, (SUNY Press, 2012); Bob Plant, Plant, Bob 2012); Press, (SUNY 1 The The 2 4 3 of condition human insuperable an be to one if holdsSecond, absurdity considered is illegitimate. euphoria, or of everlasting opposites conjunction the such omnipotence, as Absurd, the toward disposition impossible an words, other In advocating let alifetime. alone years, and for years lasts that of mind psyche aeuphoric state human of the constraints the within imagine to difficult is itbut possible, theoretically be may This euphoria. of never-ending example consider hypothetical possibility, the of practical condition subsidiary the Regarding chastity. and or promiscuity denial, and a impossibilities: disposition ought logical not to propagate both affirmation holds for same The Absurd. face of the the in of omnipotence attainment the prescribe would literally that adisposition in for instance, manifested, be possible be should disposition the order in for legitimate, be it to First, Absurd? the one of form denial. or another manifesting without condition absurd the with deal to away provides one is, that that mechanism, coping Absurdist an as understood be should disposition Rather, humoristic the insuperability. its acknowledges one accordingly Absurd, notion of the the for overcome a way to one as if accepts Absurd, not the understood be disposition’. should ‘humoristic Such the adisposition commitment this phenomenon. acomical as situations, absurd in manifestations its of humorous as well as condition, absurd the regard which Absurd, the to responses pattern a to commitment the as defined is Absurdism humorism without a specified object such as the Absurd). the as such object specified a without humorism (i.e., pattern behavioral ageneral as humorism against raised have been that some objections it with by challenging and Absurd up the makes that incongruity the toward adisposition as account ofrooted humorism a defendable historically revolves and humor),that around by establishing response a argument: entire the throughout echoed is that distinction terminological important an is This Thus understood, Humoristic Absurdism is a disposition, from which a pattern of responses follows. follows. responses of apattern which from adisposition, is Absurdism Humoristic understood, Thus That is, humorism without a specific object such as the Absurd. Absurd. the as such object aspecific without humorism is, That How ought we to understand the the How ought we understand to , both theoretically and practically. Theoretical impossibility might is momentary, and a and momentary, is disposition is the commitment to a pattern of responses. of apattern to commitment the is legitimacy of a disposition toward toward of a disposition 3 Humoristic Humoristic

4 I call Icall

13 Introduction Introduction 14 6 5 we which strive. with seriousness the resolution and of absence ultimate the in striving of our frivolity the both recognizing thereby earnestness, and humor of form specific a between moving Absurd, the to of responses pattern oscillatory revolves an around it Absurdism’. short, In ‘Metamodern Icall which Absurdism, of Humoristic modification slight a forward bring I Absurdism, Humoristic failed ofthis substitution In resolutions. we which desire with seriousness immediate the or, Absurd to the side, more byto subjective its specifically, nullifying do justice to fails Absurdism Humoristic full-blooded Absurd, the toward adisposition role in play to important humor have an may Although follows. Absurd. the toward disposition order must counter in for alegitimate disposition be it advocated to the which grounds, or political existential for on ethical, example objections, further be may there Third, one’s disposition. through recognized be should constituents of its fact life, fundamental the as Absurd the one takes the toward dispositions legitimate be cannot they life, toward move. escapist latter the to amounts former,the endorsement Christianity the of orthodox while of amanifestation would be of renunciation desire ataraxist an example, For of . nature disappointing the from escape an by postulating or Absurd of the constitutive is that desire the of renouncing by means either Absurd, of the premises the not should one’s violate that disposition one’s be should existence, disposition

as a disposition in the face of the absurd condition. absurd the of face the in adisposition as legitimate considered be thus can and objections all with deal to able is Absurd, the of veracity the maintains that Absurdism of variety anovel Absurdism’, ‘Metamodern Icall what into transformed and rejected is Absurdism Humoristic thus and countered, be cannot me, by developed objection, fourth The literature. the from objections dominant three the I counter There, 4. Chapter in raised be 2. Chapter These examples, and the categories to which they belong, are worked out more extensively in in extensively more out worked are belong, they which to categories the and examples, These The most important objections against the Absurdist theory at hand – Humoristic Absurdism – will –will Absurdism –Humoristic hand at theory Absurdist the against objections important most The Put briefly, the answer to the main question of this paper will be as as be will paper this of question main the to answer the briefly, Put 5 Although these may be legitimate dispositions dispositions legitimate be may these Although 6

properly absurdist . That is to say say to is . That Absurd , for if Absurd would consist in. Following up on the nature of humor identified identified humor of nature the on up Following in. consist would Absurd twofold its constitution. in existence renounce, deny of away, or conjure than rather absurdity the recognize, to be will Absurd the toward for adisposition criterion principal one. The ahumoristic such as Absurd, the toward dispositions of further evaluation for the criteria Iderive condition, absurd of the conceptualization From this resolution. definitive a of absence the hand other the on and resolution toward strivings indefinite one’s hand one the on between incongruity the is it specifically, resolution’.More of ‘dissolution the as construed is Absurd the by Camus, Inspired discussed. Nagel, are Thomas and Camus such Albert as of Absurdism, discussion theoretical and history the in undertaken. is complete more theory the attempt at amodest making still, not does yetconditions, exist; sufficient and necessary all illuminating humor,of structure formal the Unfortunately, of of a comprehensive a . contradiction the theory the on light sheds Theory, Incongruity the canon, the of member final The upon the effect psychophysiological the explicates hand, other Relief on theory, the them. humor devalues overperformance; through violated is that norm the or, of anorm violator alternatively, on underperforming on the humor has (in Theory, a explains the modified Superiority slightly form)the called is which first, The humor.of explanation their in complementary actually are they that Iargue opposition, historical their Despite canon. what question: devoted the is to however, phenomenon the into Principally, at hand. chapter the inquiry further justifying thus Western tradition, of the humor in exploration, contempt, and yet of proliferating relative neglect recently a long period exposes which dimension, of ahistorical humor.philosophy contains This cause Chapter 3 investigates what a humoristic disposition toward the the toward disposition ahumoristic what 3investigates Chapter figures Central Absurd. the of notion the out fleshes 2 Chapter the with 1deals Chapter follows. as proceeds argument The subject of humor: incongruity. This incongruity is conceptualized as as conceptualized is incongruity This of incongruity. humor: of humor, by which I itthe person mean finding comical. is humor? Three theories make up the up the make theories humor? Three effect

that that

15 Introduction Introduction 16 inquiry. inquiry. Subsequently, reflectionI upon concise the give an critical equally of question this main concision, utmost the in concludes by answering, Absurd. of the recognition astark contains Absurdism Metamodern Absurdism, Humoristic to contrary engagement. Thus, earnest and detachment movement humorous between oscillatory an by incorporating resolution, for desire earnest the facilitating also while humor, for role significant a retains It Absurdism’. ‘Metamodern called is disposition modified the is modification, developedin Chapter 5. RootedinObjection, the Frivolity Absurdism. of Humoristic modification favor in of a slight Absurd the toward humorism all-encompassing an up forces give to us objection of this strength The amereto frivolity. for absurdity desire by reducing resolution, earnest ofrenunciation the a as Absurdism Humoristic frames it Essentially, Objection. Frivolity the Absurdism: Humoristic Ipresent against a novel objection objections, these refuting After Objection. Irresponsibility the and Objection Irrationality the Objection, Superiority the are objections main three The Absurd. the of face the in humorism hand: at disposition specific the to extrapolated then are objections on humor, such. These as literature humorism against resolution. ultimate of an availability the for desire by rejecting resolution and fundamental of the awareness and expression by facilitating of anorm, contradiction the as Absurd, the of incongruity the by acknowledging criterion Absurdist principal the to up lives Absurdism Humoristic given. is of form Absurdism, alegitimate as before formulated acomprehensiveare Absurdism, defense of Humoristic Absurdism for Humoristic facie reasons endorsing Prima predecessors. philosophical and literary sought in are Absurdism of Humoristic instances Specific chapter. third the in conjoined are projects two the chapter,second the in Absurd the of notion the and chapter first the in Chapter 6 summarizes the insights from the previous chapters and and chapters previous the from insights the 6 summarizes Chapter needed the toward suggestion a least at or modification, This philosophical the from stemming objections, 4presents Chapter

for future research. for future suggestions dimension: prognostic its to research of this evaluation the brings then This it. from result that insights approach the and research

17 Introduction

21 Chapter 1

The Philosophy of Humor

The Ministry of Silly Walks Silly of Ministry The Dirk Houbrechts (2005), (2005), Houbrechts Dirk The Philosophy of Humor 22 Despite tradition this of derision to humor the in of history philosophy. aversion, outright not if attention, of lack widespread the comprises here us concerns that tradition inherited The inherited. have century, twenty-first legacy that I, asaphilosopher the in it may add novel insights to the vast is embedded the in literature and how chapter is to illustrate how my argument evaluations. The central purpose of this such of justifications includinghumor, assortment of normative stances toward and a brief overview of the historical humor of phenomenon the concerning descriptive aswell asexplanatory theories philosophical investigation, of the variety extent to which humor been has atopic of the phenomenon of humor. It discusses the linesmain in) the philosophical analysis of chapterThis presents abrief of history (the

1 of humor such. as theory the of illustrating for purpose the you if will, evil anecessary importance, of is secondary of humorous instances analysis the Therefore, thedeficientanalysis. contextwithin of thiseffect philosophical emerge, may spite of in their humorous which instances from disposition, of a humoristic possibility consider to the order ourselves enable in to humor such, as Rather, disposition. vehicles Ianalyze for ahumoristic as of such humorous instances possibility the thereby and annihilate mirth their degree some to would analysis the for instances, specific explain not is to aim My primary of humor (joking). se per dissection the and (jokes) of humorous instances however, dissection is, the between adistinction the innards are discouraging to any but the pure scientific mind.” scientific pure the but any to and discouraging are innards process the the in dies thing the “but notes, White E.B. essayist and can,” of afrog humor. as dissected be “Humor effectivity the can jeopardize can which of overanalyzing, avoid to danger the whatsoever, important it is game. the in player promising and, at least at sight, first the most and philosophy of humor in theory prevalent most the Theory, attention is given to the Incongruity and ReliefTheory Theory. Special Incongruity Theory, Superiority humor: canonical theories the in philosophy of and neglect, one may discern three Elwyn Brooks White, “Some Remarks on Humor,” on Remarks “Some White, Brooks Elwyn If one decides to explore the possibility of any humoristic disposition disposition of humoristic any possibility If oneexplore the to decides The Second Tree from the Corner, 1954, 173–181. 1954, 1 There There

23 Chapter 1 Chapter The Philosophy of Humor 24 5 Morreall. 4 3 2 of humor include Plato, Thomas philosophy. of critical authors list The Western of history the throughout phenomenon the toward negativity of Philosophy Encyclopedia In phenomenonthe of humor, critical. largely have been they below. given evidence systematic and textual the referenced, to according be to deserve should they though Nietzsche, Friedrich and Laozi like in entry of ‘Philosophy Humor’ the in John Morreall, philosophers. analytic mostly highlighting selective, very is portrayal this Western tradition, the within even and perspective; Eurocentric very a to due non-Westernthinkers, Philosophy of in entry own its even acquired one has which inquiry, of philosophical area aserious become recently only of humor has much loss.” without life out of human well conclude left humor be might could that of Ignorance, on,say, or Veil even on Rawls’ justice, written been has what on humor with writing of amount philosophical the comparing anthropologists “Martian of humor, philosophy the concluded: with concerned has writers zealous aside note.as phenomenonthe about philosophized only have philosophers influential of philosophy. Western history the about humor throughout written been has how see little to It surprising is of Ahistory negligence1.1. and rejection tendency do exist, for example in: Desiderius Erasmus, Erasmus, Desiderius in: for example do exist, tendency edu/archives/win2016/entries/humor/. https://plato.stanford. 2016), University, Stanford Lab, Research ( 2016 Winter Zalta, Morreall, “Philosophy of Humor.” of “Philosophy Morreall, this to Exceptions section. this in later nuanced is rejection and negligence of history Morreall’s Humor,” of in “Philosophy Morreall, John In the sparse passages in which Western philosophers did discuss discuss did Western philosophers which in passages sparse the In of influence the disregards tradition philosophical the of view This The

Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy Encyclopedia Stanford . 5

3 As contemporary scholar John Morreall, one most of the John Morreall, scholar contemporary As 4 With a large tradition of negligence, the philosophy philosophy of the negligence, tradition alarge With , Morreall gives an extensive overview of the of the overview extensive an gives , Morreall The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, of Encyclopedia Stanford The 2 Before ’s Before Henri De lof der zotheid der lof De The , omits influential figures figures influential omits ,

Stanford Encyclopedia Stanford Encyclopedia (By Jan van Heekeren, 1719). Heekeren, van Jan (By The ed. Edward N. N. Edward ed. Laughter

Stanford Stanford , 10 9 8 7 6 Confucians classical great three of the third the as regarded often Xunzi, violation. agrave of is laughter ahumorous of of which outburst moderation, value Confucian humor the is of rejection the source for justificatory additional An humorousofmirth. deemed reverent or awe-inspiring.” is) (and seldom face was still asmiling because mirth, his curb to he had empower and public appearance, his order dignify to “in that Xu observes reverence), of Weihe Confucian norms the to of faithfulness terms in ideal of a appearance proper the Explicating parties. both for holds this and – people between of aproper relationship constitutive is laughter view, curtailing this to laughter. to antithetical consider be to often thinkers Confucian of reverence, valuation which its Western in philosophy,with for instance minority. insignificant an than more constitute views critical phenomenon more although been diverse, has hunger or cold.” like he can than no better absurdity like can animal, arational being man, absurdity, and presence of an the in are “we humorous experience, the in humor that, is problem for the with example, Santayana, to According Hobbes, René Descartes and George Santayana in his early years. early his in Santayana George and René Descartes Hobbes,

Reflections puritanism.” Confucian on placed been has periods pre-Han the in writing humorous 220),” AD (to Literature West and East org/10.1163/18758185-90000019. Humor,” of Significance the and Santayana Here’: Mad All Are “‘We Wahman, Jessica Cf. controversy. of asubject remains (1989): 243–65, https://doi.org/10.2307/1399447. Xu, “The Confucian Politics of Appearance,” 527. Appearance,” of Politics Confucian “The Xu, Humor,” Chinese on Impact Its And Appearance: of Politics Confucian “The Xu, Weihe Santayana, George Thought,” Western in Humor of Rejection “The Morreall, John Xiao Dong Yue, Yue, Dong Xiao In non-WesternIn of humor, of philosophy the of evaluations range the Notwithstanding this unambiguous citation, the status of humor in Santayana’s philosophy philosophy Santayana’s in humor of status the citation, unambiguous this Notwithstanding (Walter de Gruyter GmbH & Co. KG, 2010), 412. 2010), KG, &Co. GmbH Gruyter de (Walter 54, no. 4 (2004): 514. Cf. David R. Knechtges, “Wit, Humor, and Satire in Early Chinese Chinese Early in Satire and Humor, “Wit, Knechtges, R. David Cf. 514. (2004): 4 no. 54, Exploration of Chinese Humor: Historical Review, Empirical Findings, and Critical Critical and Findings, Empirical Review, Historical Humor: Chinese of Exploration 7

The Sense of Beauty of Sense The junzi Monumenta Serica Contemporary Contemporary (someone embodying the moral, as well as social, social, well as as moral, the (someone embodying (Courier Corporation, 2012), 152. 2012), Corporation, (Courier 10 In this anti-humoristic tradition stands stands tradition anti-humoristic this In 29, no. 1 (1970): 81: “Part of the blame for the absence of of absence the for blame the of “Part 81: 1(1970): no. 29, 9 This “smiling face”, “smiling asign is Xu notes, This 2, no. 2 (April 21, 2005): 73–83, https://doi. 73–83, 2005): 21, 2(April no. 2, Philosophy East and West and East Philosophy

is in relative unison relative unison in is 8 According According Philosophy Philosophy 39, no. 3 no. 39,

6

25 Chapter 1 Chapter The Philosophy of Humor 26 14 13 12 11 contemporary negative. Given humor that largely as toward attitude Confucian conceive to archetypical it reasonable the making thereby by reference negative reverence stance the to moderation, and emphasized writings. Confucian irony and in sarcasm of wit, manifestations found be surely various Confucius’ of sections funny unambiguously for to example by referring demonstrated has Harbsmeier Christoph here. appropriate As is some nuance Confucianism, inherent to clear considered be may humoris that toward stance it acritical exists there that Although humor. of philosophy the of history Chinese the in figure a historical as cite to philosopher ideal most not the may be Xunzi Thus, of philosophy: history Chinese the throughout thinkers many not impressed has Xunzi mentions that Xunzi, in specialized scholars contemporary one celebrated most of the Goldin, degeneration.” “animalistic and chaos social to leads which of pursuit blind of the emotions, on restraint emphasis its follows from of idea humor, very of the humor, to which work antithetical Xunzi’s is Mencius). and Confucius being (the others

Harbsmeier, “Humor in Ancient ,” 291–99. Philosophy,” Chinese Ancient in “Humor Harbsmeier, puritanism.” Confucian on placed been has the periods of pre-Han the in “Part writing 81: humorous of 220),” absence the for AD blame (to Literature Chinese Early in Satire and Humor, “Wit, Knechtges, Cf. Philosophy,” Chinese Approaches fall2018/entries/xunzi/. https://plato.stanford.edu/archives/ 2018), University, Stanford Lab, Research (Metaphysics Paul R. Goldin, “Xunzi,” in in “Xunzi,” Goldin, R. Paul Goldin, “Xunzi.” Goldin, Jessica Milner Davis and Jocelyn Chey, Chey, Jocelyn and Davis Milner Jessica Xunzi been widely recognized as one of China’s greatest thinkers. greatest one of China’s as recognized widely been Xunzi has few decades last the in Only convictions. Mencian rejecting by went who astray of aConfucian example an as cited typically was […] a was history Xunzi Chinese For of imperial most (Hong Kong University Press, 2011), 49–59; cf. Christoph Harbsmeier, “Humor in Ancient Ancient in “Humor Harbsmeier, Christoph cf. 49–59; 2011), Press, University Kong (Hong Philosophy East and West and East Philosophy 14 Still, the reception of Confucian thought has typically typically has thought reception of Confucian the Still, The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy of Encyclopedia Stanford The Analects in Chinese Life and Letters: Classical and Traditional Traditional and Classical Letters: and Life Chinese in Humour 39, no. 3 (1989): 294, https://doi.org/10.2307/1399450. https://doi.org/10.2307/1399450. 294, 3(1989): no. 39, and Mencius’ Mencius’ and 11 Beyond being utterly devoid utterly Beyond being , ed. Edward N. Zalta, Fall 2018 2018 Fall Zalta, N. Edward ed. , Meng Zi Meng bête noire 12 However, Paul Paul However, , there can can there , who who 13 20 19 18 17 16 15 in styles. writing and respective their humorism of kind some ascribed be can whom of both Taoists, influential and notable most the among are Zhuangzi and . is Laozi negativity alone. ‘Humoristic’ prefix ofthe virtue by tradition, Confucian the in resonance tradition. Western the in reinvokes contempt we that humor the observed culture) that toward Chinese of contemporary one foremost of the constitutes pillars arguably (which tradition Confucian the in evidence systematic and exegetical proper manners of social interactions.” of social proper manners on emphasis keeping Confucian due the to mainly culture Chinese in respect little given traditionally been has “Humor influence: Confucian laughter. and humor of expression the with difficulties has culture Chinese that coincidence legacy, no it is Confucian the in embedded some extent to still is China

Yue, Yue,

Yue, Yue,

In 4.1, Confucian skepticism toward humor returns when the Superiority Objection is discussed. discussed. is Objection Superiority the when returns humor toward skepticism Confucian 4.1, In Xiaodong Yue, Xiaodong Harbsmeier, “Humor in Ancient Chinese Philosophy.” Chinese Ancient in “Humor Harbsmeier, Kong Hong of University City in Approach,” A Self-Cultivation George Kao, Kao, George For an overview of applications of and stances toward humor in ancient Chinese texts, see: texts, Chinese ancient in humor toward stances and of applications of overview For an 18 out into boisterous laughter. broke often Zhuangzi, while beard, thin his low through sounding small, dry was laughter Laozi’s of China. humorist intelligent most the as regarded be may Confucius, about stories libelous many great of a inventor follower and his Zhuangzi, and of China, spirit comic true the as regarded be must of Confucius, antagonist the Laozi, Western the from A non-Western deviate to seems that tradition Exploration of Chinese Humor Exploration of Chinese Humor Chinese Wit And Humor And Wit Chinese Humor and Chinese Culture: A Psychological Perspective APsychological Culture: Chinese and Humor 15 Xiao Dong Yue traces these difficulties back to the 17 Therefore, Humoristic Absurdism may find little little find may Absurdism Humoristic Therefore, , 2006. 2nd International Conference on Youth Empowerment, Pok Fu Lam: Lam: Fu Pok Empowerment, Youth on Conference International 2nd , 414–15; Xiao Dong Yue et al., “Humor and Youth Empowerment: Youth and YueEmpowerment: Dong “Humor , et al., 414–15; Xiao , 403. , 1948, xxxiii, http://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.48556. xxxiii, , 1948, 20 16 To conclude, of plenty is there 19 George Kao summarizes: Kao George (Routledge, 2017), 9–10. 2017), (Routledge,

27 Chapter 1 Chapter The Philosophy of Humor 28 25 24 23 22 21 an of over humor value constitutes the disagreement widespread The in-between (e.g., more views moderate al-Farabi). with Laozi), Buddha, (e.g., embracing Laughing to the Hinduism, Santayana) and Hobbes (e.g., Confucius, critical Moreover, extremely from range evaluations the thinks. Morreall as humor have toward sparse not so been stances pantheon.” its as variegated and rich as humour of “a and tradition laughter” regarding of tolerance a“tradition both Elst, for example, notes that the Hinduist humorism is twofold, including an acceptant toward humor,stance but even humorism. outright Koenraad Buddhism. (at in laughter of) some forms least of humor and valuation positive this corroborates Buddha” “Laughing enlightened.” to closer one […], is big joke whole deal the getting as served is therefore laughing when he or path she suspects pilgrim’s every along times are there and core spirit, the as described been has Yue: enlightenment Buddhism, “In Dong by Xiao summarized is as enlightenment, toward path of the part phenomenon in China. of the more for be responsible pejoration may the legacy, Confucianism as Chinese the in foundation of humorism cultural Taoism the lays Thus, humorism. of Chinese ancestors considered the often are Zhuangzi and Laozi co-founders influential most its and school Taoist The

Yue, Yue,

Yue, Yue, Koenraad Elst, “Humour in Hinduism,” Hinduism,” in “Humour Elst, Koenraad Jon McGinnis and David C. Reisman, Reisman, C. David and McGinnis Jon Publishing, 2007), 110. 2007), Publishing, 51–52. HUMOR.2007.014. Research Humor of Journal –International Humor 88. 2001), Zhaozhi Liao, In Hinduist philosophy, some have argued that there exists not only exists there philosophy, that Hinduist In some have argued It important considered is an praised. humor often is Buddhism, In In short, throughout the global history of philosophy, evaluative history global the throughout short, In Humor and Chinese Culture Chinese and Humor Exploration of Chinese Humor Taiwanese Perceptions of Humor: A Sociolinguistic Perspective ASociolinguistic Humor: of Perceptions Taiwanese 23 22 The widespread representation of the so-called so-called of representation the widespread The , 8–10; cf. Qian Suoqiao, “Translating ‘Humor’ into Chinese Culture,” Culture,” Chinese into ‘Humor’ “Translating Suoqiao, Qian , 8–10; cf. , 410. Classical Philosophy: An Anthology of Sources of Anthology An Philosophy: Arabic Classical Humour and : Challenges and Ambiguities and Challenges Religion: and Humour 20, no. 3 (2007): 277–295, https://doi.org/10.1515/ 277–295, 3(2007): no. 20, 24 (Crane Publishing, (Hackett (Hackett ., 2011, 25 21

28 27 26 Zarathustra: protagonist book’s the through In Nietzsche. of Friedrich philosophy the in bagatelles being from far humor are and in Kierkegaard. among recognition specialized scholars widespread receives philosophy Kierkegaard’s in comical the and humor actuality”. one’s “phenomenal and essence” of qualifications eternal [one’s]the “the between contradiction highlighting by faith, toward duties of ethical realm the from leap the humor facilitates because is this Gregor Malantschuk, interpreters, distinguished most existential awareness before awareness faith”. ofexistential stage last “the comprises humor example, for Kierkegaard, Søren to According Western tradition. even the in nuance, further given be phenomenon the toward of humor. anovel of positivity introducing sense by tradition the from itself of humor philosophy distances contemporary the perspective, this from work. Thus, his cite that inquiries the in legacy negative asimilarly bequeathed who has considerably by John Morreall, most established been has , and of acombination neglect as defended be may or rejected. Absurdism Humoristic which to according contingent upon traditions the light sheds dimension historical This of humorism. predicate latter’s the given Absurdism, Humoristic into foundation for present inquiry the historical important

scientific Postscript,’” Postscript,’” scientific Happened to Me on the Way to Salvation: as Climacus Humorist in Kierkegaard’s ‘Concluding Un (1988): 300–312, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-2265.1988.tb00858.x; John Lippitt, “A Funny Thing 1975). University, Drew Thesis, (PhD Kierkegaard” Soeren of Works Pseudonymous the in Humor of Concept “The Parrill, Ellison Lloyd Søren Kierkegaard, “Concluding Unscientific Postscript,” Postscript,” Unscientific “Concluding Kierkegaard, Søren T. F. Morris, “‘Humour’ in the Concluding Unscientific Postscript,” Postscript,” Unscientific Concluding the in “‘Humour’ T.Morris, F. Gregor Malantschuk, Malantschuk, Gregor good dancers, high! higher! And don’t forget good laughter either! either! laughter forget don’t good And higher! high! dancers, good [ humorHowever, ought to toward positivity novelty of the this of philosophy humor, of the history of the negative portrayal The L ] earn to laugh over and past yourselves! Lift up your hearts, you hearts, up your Lift yourselves! past over and laugh to Thus Spoke Zarathustra Spoke Thus Kierkegaard’s Thought Kierkegaard’s Religious Studies Religious 33, no. 2 (1997): 181–202. 2(1997): no. 33, (Princeton University Press, 2015), 202. 2015), Press, University (Princeton 26 According to one of Kierkegaard’s Kierkegaard’s of one to According , exclaims exclaims Nietzsche Friedrich , 27 A Kierkegaard Anthology A Kierkegaard The importance of irony, of importance The The Heythrop Journal Heythrop The 28 Similarly, laughter 1 (1946): 259; 259; 1(1946): 29, no. 3 no. 29,

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29 Chapter 1 Chapter The Philosophy of Humor 30 34 33 32 31 30 29 For, bleak. is we disproportionately there as have seen, picture the paints ofand philosophy non-Western that history the haveshare in thinkers method. a with for feeling irony, Socratic remarkable of the one key is features of which the figure humoristic thoroughly a as emerges often Socrates dialogues, suggest. may legacy Morreall’s than moreare nuanced on humor views his humor, that such alight in interpreted be Plato, can toward disregard of the example cited even one widely most ofAnd the corrective. asocial even as laughter, derisive serve situations, can which some in appropriate be of some humor forms can that admits Descartes of humor, philosophy Descartes’ in ridicule and of scorn expression Absurd. the toward disposition of ahumoristic possibility the investigate attempt to my legitimates further Absurd, the with affinity have undoubtedly who Nietzsche, and Kierkegaard in humor of notion ameliorative the into of wisdom”. part be would then “Laughter laughter: toward Nietzsche’s attitude general sections, other well as as appraisal, this from J. who distils Hatab, by Lawrence underscored is dearly, very holds as laughter Nietzsche that evident it becomes Thus,

Harbsmeier, “Humor in Ancient Chinese Philosophy,” 289. Philosophy,” Chinese Ancient in “Humor Harbsmeier, Cameron Shelley, “Plato on the Psychology of Humor.,” of Psychology the on “Plato Shelley, Cameron Friedrich Nietzsche, Nietzsche, Friedrich Research Practice Kierkegaard to Companion Cambridge The Laughter,” 240. 2008), Press, Aaron Smuts, “The of Humor: Can Your Sense of Be Wrong?,” Your Humor Can Sense of Humor: Ethics “The Smuts, Aaron Mordechai Gordon, “Camus, Nietzsche, and the Absurd: Rebellion and Scorn versus Humor and and Humor versus Scorn and Rebellion Absurd: the and Nietzsche, “Camus, Gordon, Mordechai Lawrence J. Hatab, “Laughter in Nietzsche’s Thought: A Philosophical Tragicomedy,” 1988, 76. 1988, Tragicomedy,” APhilosophical Thought: Nietzsche’s in “Laughter Hatab, J. Lawrence Moreover, whereas Morreall puts emphasis on laughter being an an Moreover, being on laughter emphasis puts Morreall whereas men, you higher holy; laughter I pronounced crown! this Ithrow brothers, my you, to crown: rose-wreath this one, laughing of the crown This 34 13, no. 3 (June 1, 2010): 335, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10677-009-9203-5. 335, 2010): 1, 3(June no. 13, , 2003. Besides, the emphasis on downplays the the on emphasis Western downplays philosophy the Besides, Philosophy and Literature and Philosophy learn 31 – to laugh! –to Thus Spoke Zarathustra: A Book for Everyone and Nobody and Everyone for ABook Zarathustra: Spoke Thus 29 39, no. 2 (2015): 364–378; Alastair Hannay and Gordon D. Marino, D. Marino, Gordon and Hannay Alastair 364–378; 2(2015): no. 39, (Cambridge University Press, 1998), 56. 1998), Press, University (Cambridge 30 On a side note, these insights insights aside On note, these HUMOR: International Journal of Humor Humor of Journal International HUMOR: 33 Ethical Theory and Moral Moral and Theory Ethical Indeed, in Plato’s in Indeed, (Oxford University University (Oxford 32

Taoist philosophy. Taoist and Buddhist of embracementample evidence humorHinduist, in toward 36 35 Absurd. the toward adisposition as of humorism evaluation the to importance formal its of vital of course, is, ‘humor’ of we what call of structure The structure. virtue in attention more significantly getting inquiry, of philosophical area sizable and humor now is aserious such Morreall, as specific their of regardless of humor, instances of all workings inner refers the to structure’ ‘formal its phenomenon to regard of humor such, with as upon the analysis substantive exerting theory, without philosophical overarching of the of somehow humor was aspects other deduced from rejection the animal, rational the as being human of the anthropology philosophical upon reverence emphasis Santayana’s and Confucian the however. phenomenon the in sparse as of humor remains cases, many In extent. agreat to valuable still is analysis historical Morreall’s thus and ignored, be of cannot philosophy history on the humor in remarks of disregarding collection extensive the Still, some nuance. of derogation met be with should conclusion,In history the paradox. and of oxymoron of humor forms like irrationality the and being, of joke cosmic the of reflection its oneself), at laughing (through self the power of deconstruct its to by virtue enlightenment, toward path the in medium important humor an is for that example, have argued, Buddhists

Dennis Sibley, “The Laughing Buddha Humour and the Spiritual Life,” Life,” Spiritual the and Humour Buddha Laughing “The Sibley, Dennis Humour and Pedagogy,” 2004. Pedagogy,” and Humour Zen, Laugh? Buddha “Did Hattam, Robert and Matthews Julie org/10.1080/13504630120043549; China,” and India Ancient in Laughter and Humour towards Attitudes Laugh: Don’t Buddhas “Real Clasquin, Michel 2004); Publishers, Stock Hyers, Conrad life-by-dennis-sibley/; https://buddhismnow.com/2014/05/31/the-laughing-buddha-humour-and-the-spiritual-2014, In 2.4, the link between Buddhism and the notion of the Absurd is explicated. is Absurd the of notion the and Buddhism between link the 2.4, In Philosophical explanation (in addition to normative evaluation) of evaluation) normative to addition (in explanation Philosophical 35 In terms of philosophical argumentation, some Zen argumentation, of philosophical terms In content The Laughing Buddha: Zen and the Comic Spirit Spirit Comic the and Zen Buddha: Laughing The Social Identities . Thanks to fairly recent philosophers recent philosophers fairly to . Thanks 7, no. 1 (March 2001): 97–116, https://doi. 97–116, 2001): 7, 1 (March no. formal structure formal Buddhism Now (blog), May 31, 31, May (blog), (Wipf and and (Wipf . This . This

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31 Chapter 1 Chapter The Philosophy of Humor 32 41 40 39 38 37 light In life. social in trait of philosophy, valued humor a highly is history of the humor in contemptuous negligent view the and despite that, clear of humor. have sense a good to of people would like majority the that partners. relationship and friends both preferential in highly is character ahumoristic that have demonstrated forsearch apartner. the in characteristic of humor asense acrucial is that of men90% report concluded 81% 1958, of as women that and early conducted as students, workplace. within well as as selection, development, child in importance significant of is humor that shown repeatedly have psychologists and space. Behavioral and upon place time humor across generally people that value the with out of sync remarkably is philosophers

Sharon C. Bolton and Maeve Houlihan, “Are We Having Fun yet? A Consideration of Workplace Fun Fun Workplace of AConsideration yet? Fun We “Are Having Houlihan, Maeve and Bolton C. Sharon Mahadev L. Apte, “Ethnic Humor Versus ‘Sense of Humor’ An American Sociocultural Dilemma,” Dilemma,” Sociocultural American An Humor’ of ‘Sense Versus Humor “Ethnic Apte, L. Mahadev Robin Goodwin, “Sex Differences among Partner Preferences: Are the Sexes Really Very Similar?,” Similar?,” Very Really Sexes the Are Preferences: Partner among Differences “Sex Goodwin, Robin of Human Courtship: Qualifying the Parental Investment Model,” Model,” Investment Parental the Qualifying Courtship: Human of Stages the and Traits, “Evolution, al., et T. Kenrick Douglas 675–685; (1990): 11–12 no. 23, Roles Sex Attractive...,” Very Thin, for Looking Male White “Single Trembath, L. David and Waldorf, V. Ann Friendships,” and Relationships Romantic in Preferences Partner Others: than More People) Some (in Things Psychology Serbia,” in Differences Sex of Study Assessment Desirability ATrait Criteria: Selection “Mate Arančić, Aleksandra and Ljubinković, Snežana Todosijević, Bojan Partners”; Marriage and Coordinator Roles Partners,” https://doi.org/10.1080/1177083X.2009.9522446. 89–102, 2009): 1, (January Work,” at Cope to Humour Using Engagement,” and https://doi.org/10.1177/0883073810373144. 1248–60, Aspects,” Emotional and Adaptive, Social, American Behavioral 97–116. (1990): Margaret Semrud-Clikeman and Kimberly Glass, “The Relation of Humor and Child Development: Development: Child and Humor of Relation “The Glass, Kimberly and Semrud-Clikeman Margaret Lester E. Hewitt, “Student Perceptions of Traits Desired in Themselves as Dating and Marriage Marriage and Dating as Themselves in Desired Traits of Perceptions “Student Hewitt, E. Lester The widespread neglect of and contempt of and humor neglect among toward widespread The 23, no. 9–10 (1990): 501–513; Sally L. Hansen, “Dating Choices of High School Students,” Students,” School High of Choices “Dating Hansen, L. Sally 501–513; (1990): 9–10 no. 23, Marriage and Family Living Family and Marriage 1, no. 1 (2003): 147470490300100100; Susan Sprecher and Pamela C. Regan, “Liking Some Some “Liking Regan, C. Pamela and Sprecher Susan 147470490300100100; 1 (2003): no. 1, 38 , 1977, 133–138; Hewitt, “Student Perceptions of Traits Desired in Themselves as Dating Dating as Themselves in Desired Traits of Perceptions “Student Hewitt, 133–138; , 1977, With regard to the romantic sphere, a survey among college college among sphere, asurvey romantic the to regard With Journal of Social and Personal Relationships Personal and Social of Journal Employee Relations 39 Following this pioneering research, other scholars scholars other research, pioneering this Following 30, no. 3 (1987): 27–41. 3(1987): no. 30, non-sexual Kōtuitui: New Zealand Journal of Social Online Sciences Social of Journal Zealand New Kōtuitui: 31, no. 6 (2009): 556–568; Barbara Plester, “Healthy Humour: Humour: “Healthy Plester, Barbara 556–568; 6(2009): no. 31, 20, no. 4 (1958): 344–49, https://doi.org/10.2307/348256. 344–49, 4(1958): no. 20, 37 Journal of Child Neurology Child of Journal attraction within the context of sexual of sexual context the within attraction 40 bonding, and team-building in the the in team-building and bonding, Furthermore, research has shown shown has research Furthermore, 19, no. 4 (2002): 463–481; Jane E. Smith, Smith, E. Jane 463–481; (2002): 4 no. 19, Journal of Personality 25, no. 10 (October 2010): 2010): (October 10 no. 25, Evolutionary 58, no. 1 no. 58, 4, no. 1 no. 4, 41 Family Family It is is It Sex Sex not strictly correlate with humor. with correlate not strictly humor, and laughter between relation does laughter showed which that on the research conducted empirical has others, among Szameitat, Diana more, is What case. of this humor in speak to least, the say to hesitant, be laughter. hysterical We in or LSD,mushrooms results however, would, that for due psilocybin to example brain, of the regions gelotological of the stimulation of of counter-example, for chemical sake the akind imagine, can One at is wrong. seemingly, most not equivocation if obviously but this equivocated, been humor have and often laughter recent to research, Prior comical. of the Humor, experience the to amounts then, humor’s stimulus. is which comical, something to responds One response. versus one is of stimulus distinction The relation. intimate their despite comical, the with humor not confused should be First, anthropologists? Martian of the glass phenomenon magnifying this under the is then, What, distinctions Important 1.2. report. anthropological their humor in phenomenon include the better had of Martians estimation, high of this 42 in even meaning, significant a convey still may usage language ordinary of above examples the in ‘humor’ or Nevertheless, capability. ability an neither it is trait; Humor not is a character term. of the my usage from person ahumorous is man that that say sometimes people usage, language of a‘sense humor’. to not is equivalent ordinary In project, research torture). (e.g., tickle situation humorous about the during nothing is there that fact spite of the in we laugh book); sometimes and a in passage (e.g.,a comical reading laughing humorous while without

Diana P. Szameitat et al., “Differentiation of Emotions in Laughter at the Behavioral Level,” Level,” at Behavioral the in Laughter of Emotions “Differentiation et P.al., Diana Szameitat 9, no. 3 (2009): 397–405, https://doi.org/10.1037/a0015692. 397–405, 3(2009): no. 9, An additional distinction must be made between laughter and humor. and laughter between made must be distinction additional An fnl itnto i nee. Hmr, s ue h tr i this in term the use I as ‘Humor’, needed. is distinction final A , but what is usually meant here differs here meant differs , but usually is what 42 Indeed, we occasionally find something something find occasionally we Indeed, this woman has humor has woman this or that that or Emotion

33 Chapter 1 Chapter The Philosophy of Humor 34 45 44 43 of experience the with associated typically foundation of humor. thin the as at least humorous in instances, recognize will readers most that structure a as not taken it should be Besides, common language-use. in “humor” term the of applications real-life all fit comprehensively and neatly to meant no way paper in is this in of humor put forward explanation the Again, antihumor, off-color satire, humor, humor overgesticulation. toilet and humor, self-deprecation, gallows joke, practical expressions, facial slapstick, hyperbole, and one-line understatement joke, wit, or dry deadpan zeugma, irony, caricature, imitation, non mockery, and sequitur, oxymoron, parody taxonomy. fragmented mere a to addition in humor of theory reductionist a find to difficult it makes which phenomena, related of variety a comprises should finally consider what humor is, in its positive formulation. Following negativethese definitions of humor,what regarding itis humor of Theories 1.3. paragraphs. following the in explicated is exclusive that the connotation bear such as will ‘humor’ (e.g., of ‘sense jokes), humor’,humorous instances Iapply term the while forth bring to tends that trait or character refer ability, capability the to I When paramount. is distinction why is the which present project, the thick thick

Morreall, “The Rejection of Humor in Western Thought,” 243–49. Thought,” Western in Humor of Rejection “The Morreall, Jennifer Hay, Jennifer of its specific content. specific its of Theory. Incongruity the humor, of namely theory reductionist amore to but phenomenology, to not Iresort thus and found be can humor of features essential Alternatively, a rich phenomenological description might also be possible. Still, as is shown in 1.4, 1.4, in shown is as Still, possible. be also might description phenomenological arich Alternatively, Regarding one of its most indispensable dimensions, humor is dimensions, one indispensable most of its Regarding explanatory theory. Instead, it purports to provide a general formal formal ageneral provide to it purports Instead, theory. explanatory Again, the ‘formal structure’ refers to the inner workings of any instance of humor, regardless humor, regardless of instance any of workings inner the to refers structure’ ‘formal the Again, 43 Among the many types of word-play humor are puns, types and many the Among Gender and Humour: Beyond aJoke Beyond Humour: and Gender 44 , 1995, 63–89. , 1995, amusement . 45 If someone someone If

not Humor Humor , we we , Monro’s Monro’s of publication D.H. of the humor? Since heart at is the What conditions. humorous. Hence, weit for scarcely quest must continue the more essential finding while game, the during amusement experience may player football of humor. for condition experience the anecessary is of amusement experience found subject’s words, other humorous. In the be to for of something amusement indispensable is some degree Still, fate. humor, gallows in evident when about one one’s jokes tragic especially is This poignant. and funny simultaneously it find may onefor pleasurable; not altogether be have does of to ahumorous situation experience The aspect. aperceived phenomenonregards comical its funny, she as enjoys 49 48 47 46 Theory: Superiority the of formulations philosophical one earliest in of the states Hobbes Thomas as inferiority, object’s or on the on one’s be may superiority emphasis own The object. over comical the of superiority afeeling laughter) indicates humor (expressed in holds that Theory Superiority the put, Concisely Superiority Theory characteristic. primary supposedly Theory. Relief the and Theory Incongruity the Theory, Superiority of the humor: philosophy the

org/10.1111/j.1747-9991.2009.00281.x. humor. of object the of aspect comical the enjoys one which to degree the specify In my usage of the word, ‘funny’ bears the same meaning as ‘humorous’, although the former may may former the although ‘humorous’, as meaning same the bears ‘funny’ word, the of usage my In David Hector Monro, “Argument of Laughter,” Laughter,” of “Argument Monro, Hector David Thomas Hobbes, Hobbes, Thomas Joshua Shaw, “Philosophy of Humor,” of Shaw, “Philosophy Joshua

another, by comparison whereof they suddenly applaud themselves. applaud suddenly they whereof another, comparison by in thing deformed of some apprehension or the by them; pleases that own, of their act sudden some by either caused is and laughter; called grimaces those makes which passion the is glory, Sudden Of course, amusement is not a sufficient condition for humor. A humor. for condition sufficient a not is amusement course, Of Argument of Laughter of Argument Leviathan , 1651, Part I, chap. 6. chap. I, Part , 1651, 48 Each tries to explain humor by highlighting its , 47 three theories have become canonical in in have canonical become theories three Philosophy Compass Philosophy Philosophy 27, no. 103 (1952): 372–73. (1952): 103 27, no. 5, no. 2 (2010): 113, https://doi. 113, 2(2010): no. 5, 49

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35 Chapter 1 Chapter The Philosophy of Humor 36 52 51 50 excite to is that everything “In of expectations: violation of humor the as Søren Kierkegaard. and Schopenhauer Arthur Hutcheson,Kant, Immanuel Frances Beattie, James of Aristotle, thoughts we dense) the not as have along too seen, (though, including history, has humor, of it and psychology and philosophy the in theory explanatory of humor. condition for dominant most the instance any It currently is anecessary is incongruity that say to is funny. That be to something causes patterns, or mental of expectations our acontradiction incongruity, perception of the an that argue Theory Incongruity of the Proponents Incongruity Theory subject. the aggrandizes simultaneously of such whether devaluation regardless object, of an or low estimation devaluation the in one amusement experiences the that to humor amounts that maintains which Theory’, ‘Devaluation the called be may includes what subject. the of exaltation the than object of the disparagement more on the emphasis of put humor philosophy might the within school this Scruton, with line “attentive demolition”. as seen be humorous and amusement can object In for humor lowers example, Roger its to Scruton, According of superiority. attitude an with associated philosophy, occasionally popular humor still is Descartes; in and Plato Bible, in the in occur Theory yet Superiority versionsLess-developed of notable the

Aristotle, Aristotle, scientific Postscript,” 459–68. Postscript,” scientific (CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2015), bk. I, sec. 13; Kierkegaard, “Concluding Un Schopenhauer, Arthur 54; Volumes Republic,” “Plato: Reeve, Plato, 178–179; paras. 1989), Publishing, (Hackett Edinburgh Composition,” Ludicrous and Laughter, on Essay “An Beattie, James 1750); Corrected Carefully Bees: the of Fable The [Mandeville’s] Upon Remarks and Laughter, Morreall, “The Rejection of Humor in Western Thought,” 245; René Descartes, Descartes, René 245; Thought,” Western in Humor of Rejection “The Morreall, Roger Scruton and Peter Jones, “Laughter,” “Laughter,” Jones, Peter and Scruton Roger 56 (1982): 197–228. Rhetoric , 1776, 414–456; Immanuel Kant, Kant, Immanuel 414–456; 1776, , 51 Thus, the philosophical family of the Superiority Theory also also Theory Superiority of the family philosophical the Thus, (Kessinger Publishing, 2004), pts. 2, 3; Francis Hutcheson, Hutcheson, Francis 3; 2, pts. 2004), Publishing, (Kessinger Hackett, Indianapolis Hackett, The World As Will And Idea And Will As World The 50 and even in contemporary academics and and academics even contemporary and in Critique of Judgment Judgment of Critique Proceedings of the Aristotelian Society, Supplementary Supplementary Society, Aristotelian the of Proceedings , 2004, para. 5.452. para. , 2004, Philebus , ed. R. B. Haldane and J. Kemp, 7th Edition Edition 7th Kemp, J. and Haldane B. R. ed. , (Penguin Books Ltd, 1982), 48–50; C. D. C. D. C. C. 48–50; 1982), Ltd, Books (Penguin 52 Kant, forthought Kant, instance, (Hackett Publishing, 1790), para. para. 1790), Publishing, (Hackett Essays. William Creech, Passions of the Soul the of Passions Reflections Upon Reflections (Baxter, (Baxter, -

55 54 53 built-up included the is laughter in psyche. Thus, human the tension from superstrate physiological its especially humor, explains and To Relief put words, Theory more the it in modern Freedom of Wit and Humor’ (1709): Humor’ and ofFreedom Wit the on Essay ‘An Shaftesbury’s Lord to back goes which Theory’), ‘Relief the (sometimes called Theory’ ‘Release so-called the complete without of humor would not prominent be most of theories the exposition The Theory Release theories. canonical of the third introducethelet us first in detail, Beforeand defend theory I discuss this expectations.” normal and patterns mental standard our about violates or we “some perceive thing holds that or think Theory Incongruity version of the thin the contends that Morreall John history, up this have modifications Theory, been Summing various suggested. Incongruity of the history the Throughout expectation. of an contradiction the as the essence of conceptualizes Kierkegaard humor,Likewise, comical”,“the expectations. laugh”, by contradicted lively convulsive constituted thus is nothing.” into expectation of astrained sudden transformation the from arising therefore, findunderstanding, can nosatisfaction). Laughter is anaffection the which (in absurd something must be there laugh a lively convulsive

Kant, Kant, Anthony Ashley Cooper Shaftesbury, Shaftesbury, Cooper Ashley Anthony Morreall, “Philosophy of Humor.” “Philosophy Morreall, Collection of Letters of Collection revenged on their constrainers. on their revenged be and vent to themselves, rate at any glad be will they buffoonery, or mimicry, burlesque, in it be whether and, constraint; their in themselves relieve to motion of ways other out find will controlled, or imprisoned if men, of ingenious spirits free natural [T]he Critique of Judgment of Critique 53 Humor, excite a laughter, to of “is source this which the that , 1790, 59. , 1790, , First Part, sec. 54. sec. Part, , First Characteristics of Men, Manners, Opinions, Times, With a With Times, Opinions, Manners, Men, of Characteristics 55 laughter , as a form of relief, releasing of aform relief,, as releasing

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37 Chapter 1 Chapter The Philosophy of Humor 38 58 57 56 emphasis this laughter. toward Again, redirected emotion then is this of superfluous The misguided. be to out turns expectation this emotion, but or asimilar pity with poem the to respond to expects One Graham: by Harry poem, following Consider the deemed inappropriate. been has that energy of emotional Theory. Incongruity Kantian the within well fit may theory this expectations, misguided of or expectation.” of suspense, …of aperiod ending laughter. toward Laughter, instead the hence, directed “marks is and misguided out be to turns expectations put these into energy suspenseful when the conception punchline, at of ensues the the laughter expectations, stand-up of in a joke , of creation the namely beginning typical rely. jokes the many upon which suspense Considering the to response acathartic to amounts (laughter) jokes to common reaction The relief. of degree a provide to supposed is such behavior of ; aresult face, as the in of fear, a result as someone punching and screaming, as category same

Harry Graham, Graham, Harry https://doi.org/10.1080/13548500125641. P Disorders,” Specific for ‘cures’ Different of Efficacy of the Perceptions of Psychotherapy: Theories “Lay Rawles, R. and Pereira, E. Furnham, A. case. the is this that doubt seriously psychologists contemporary psychotherapy, early Sheldrake Press, 2009) (cited in Morreall, “Philosophy of Humor.”). of “Philosophy Morreall, in (cited 2009) Press, Sheldrake 558–59. 1894): (November Although the contention that screaming relieves tension is commonly held in folk psychology and and psychology folk in held commonly is tension relieves screaming that contention the Although John Dewey, “The Theory of Emotion: I: Emotional Attitudes,” Attitudes,” Emotional I: Emotion: of Theory “The Dewey, John According to Dewey, suspense in comedy is of central importance. importance. Dewey, to comedy of is central in According suspense Just too late to save the stamp. save to the late Just too she’d of cramp, died Iheard When abroad on atrip was Who Maud Aunt to written I had relief the Spencer, as laughter Herbert sees hand, other on the When Grandmama Fell Off the Boat: The Best of Harry Graham Harry of Best The Boat: the Off Fell Grandmama When 56 sychology, Health & sychology,

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6, no. 1 (February 1, 2001): 77–84, 77–84, 2001): 1, 1 (February no. 6, 57 Psychological Review With the dimension dimension the With , 2 edition (: (London: , 2edition 1, no. 6 no. 1,

61 60 59 desire. repression of this the stopping (temporarily) by of a desire frustration built-up the from releases resulting tension laughter, humor through accordingly: defined is Theory Release the of far-fetched its assumptions. from faulty and stripped it is if seriously taken be only can picture the Theory, Release the reject scholars contemporary of which aresult as picture, this supporting desires. repressed our conscious vent to us humor make enables and that Consequently, it follows for due trauma. to example unconscious, remain to compels them and conscious becoming from prevents desires that force psychic the –is or psychoanalysis psychology concept Freudian in chords. Moreover, vocal the and muscles facial ‘repression’ the as –a key- laughter, facilitate such that media physiological the toward channeled then is energy This unused. of repressive repression energy leaves the release sudden the that is energy of ‘superfluity’ this by meant is What exemplifies: John Morreall repression. and relief between of humor, dynamics the theory emphasizes which Freudian Theory. Incongruity mentioned previously the with well sits expectations on misguided

Cf. Yue, Cf. For an overview of the numerous objections against the traditional Relief Theory, see: Morreall, Morreall, see: Theory, Relief traditional the against objections numerous the of overview For an “Philosophy of Humor.”“Philosophy tranquility.” Morreall, “Philosophy of Humor.” “Philosophy Morreall, Given the obsolescence of the mechanical and hydraulic psychology psychology hydraulic and mechanical ofGiven obsolescence the the laughter. in released is and superfluous, becomes repressing the do to used normally energy psychic the cases, both In repress. we usually hostility the we out let similarly, we dislike, or group individual an down puts that a joke to or listening telling In libido. vent our to give and censor internal our we one, bypass to or listening joke asexual telling In the is tradition well-known most this accountPerhaps in the Exploration of Chinese Humor 59 , 410: “Humor [in Taoism] helps to promote emotional emotional promote to helps Taoism] [in “Humor , 410: 61 Hence, the modest version Hence, modest the

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39 Chapter 1 Chapter The Philosophy of Humor 40 explanatory force of the formal structure of humor. structure force formal of the explanatory its in superior remains Theory Incongruity the conditions, necessary these to regard With condition(s) for humorous manifestations. necessary of the illumination the way, through is, that aphilosophical in itself of humor mechanism the It not does explicate that. psychology, just it is development of in humor laughter and purpose and function evolutionary upon the elaboration intricate an as serves Play Theory Morreall’s Although of nature is behavior affirmed. the the safe quasi-aggressive and harmless signal), play important (one laughter of amusement through particularly signs problem-solving. creative Byshowing it enhances place; and take can bonding social and trust-building context; yet friendly aggressive involved mechanisms with experiment can in inconflict situations a quasi- space for a safe create to play. is beings of humor human Here, in children function primary the that behavior. psyche and child’s It hypothesized is development the in of a humor takes role that the and primates humor in of purpose evolutionary the into insights scientific on draws It Theory. phenomenon of the of humor. theory Play the is This explanatory a fourth put forward has John Morreall theories, canonical three the to addition In Theory Play a necessary, not a sufficient, condition for finding something humorous. something condition finding for not asufficient, a necessary, is incongruity encounter with the supposition that reinforces the This detest. may old man the which slapstick, appreciating while funny humor gallows man’s old an find to fail may child a relative; is humor of sense since comical, not conceived need be universally as examples These devoid of supposedly incongruity. some well counterexamples as as considered is what humorous, in of incongruity consider some examples let Theory, us Incongruity the for amethod verifying as of illustration, For Theory. sake the Incongruity on the be should emphasis the structure, formal its of humor, heart at is the what say to illuminating If we wish Defense1.4. of Incongruity the Theory 62 between incongruity the with combined usually meant, actually is what and on asurface-level mean to appears utterance an what between incongruity behavior. an Verbal of in social norms irony to consists opposition its to due considered be comical face may another’s in behavior. Apie thrown non-violence appropriate general and respect, regarding expectations and norms social defying violence, of senseless incongruity the through itself of form humor, hit). to Another manifests failing slapstick, as (missing line second of the context of the knowledge of it with second reading the and presence of someone) the no enjoy able longer to toward being sadness of reading between the the line initial first as (missing incongruity feeling an constitutes miss’ verb of ‘to the improving.” double The meaning steadily is me. But her aim misses “My exstill considered comical: be may pun following of the word. of For ambiguity the the example, meaning facie or prima usual the diverges from context given word of the the in meaning intended apparent the becomes when dimension we that see comical of words. The ambiguity the in itself manifests incongruity puns, In examples humorous in incongruity Locating humorous. For the following examples, however, it should suffice to see how anyone can find the examples

62

41 Chapter 1 Chapter The Philosophy of Humor 42 65 64 63 sphere. office the within behavior appropriate dominating norms of the a contradiction case this in contradiction, another expectations; of necessarily contradiction a presuppose not does humor that Kant, Immanuel as such Theorists of opposition Incongruity in Surely, demonstrates, this expectations? with not it does break if incongruous, funny. How be this is still it will and expectations, her colleagues’ with completely sync in a handstand, do of humor, she seconds will instance only not is the for sixty this in but have ahumorous may effect, and unexpected is exclamation This now.” one from minute do ahandstand to going “I’m exclaims: suddenly supposedly devoid some instances comical ofoffice An worker incongruity. incongruity. of experience humor an is that of suggest humor. strongly examples These the defiance ofand practice its common conventions norms surrounding in incongruity of dimension the preserves still anti-humor Evenhumor. gallows and satire caricature, sarcasm, oxymoron, such hyperbole, as forms, other in discerned be may incongruity same but form, the each to forms of humor,inherent thetoit incongruity discuss at is length difficult of numerous Given people. the behavior motoric normal the diverge from mean. they what state (unambiguously) speakers that prescribing communication of linguistic axiom basic the and speaker of the behavior communicative the

As a subcategory of humor, irony will not be given special attention, despite its centrality in the the in centrality its despite attention, special given be not will humor, of irony asubcategory As H. Paul Grice, Peter Cole, and Jerry Morgan, “ and Conversation,” Conversation,” and “Logic Morgan, Jerry and Cole, Peter Grice, Paul H. attention. given are disposition post-ironic the and irony of critique metamodern the 5, Chapter In notion Absurdism. Nagelian Humoristic of the of examples of summation the during 3, discussion Chapter in and the in Absurd, the of 2, Chapter in irony of phenomenon the upon touch briefly I Still, particular. in postmodernity in and literature, in especially general, in thought of history for example in the use of ambiguity or in the joke’s violation of certain norms, remains intact. remains norms, certain of violation joke’s the in or ambiguity of use the in example for manifested incongruity, the punchline, eventual the and anticipation mind’s the between congruity the Despite joke. the of nature incongruous the away take not does mind, anticipating our in already Kant, Kant, This also holds for jokes retold. The fact that we already know what is coming, with the punchline punchline the with coming, is what know already we that fact The retold. jokes for holds also This 63 For potentially falsificatory (i.e., corroborative) (i.e., falsificatory potentially For Critique of Judgment of Critique The motoric movements of a clown are incongruous because they they because movements motoric incongruous The are of aclown , §54. 65 64 Indeed, if the job involved involved job the if Indeed, yet it does presuppose presuppose yet does it

Speech Acts purposes, consider purposes, , 1975, 41–58. , 1975,

67 66 would not funny. be Consider this incongruity the without observation relatable Asimilarly senses. very these omits that amedium with ) of and smell of gastronomy (to experience evoke apleasurable purpose central of combination the the in manifested incongruity the shows, of cooking absurdity inherent due the to funny is observation the Indeed, all. humor of after relatable kind this present in incongruity an is There for humor –or concluded. it so is condition not is a necessary of humor.origin words, other In incongruity sovereign not is the incongruity it follows jokes; that such observational of asource humor, be by equally evidenced may as recognition Fransen, accurate perceived as often are They Theory. Incongruity the debunking of purpose same the serve cliché ‘Have may by the you ever noticed?’) comedy (often accompanied observational of so-called examples Other vein: vein: this in present to acounterexample taken is Seinfeld of Jerry life, nature tragicomic recent on the Fransen’s book Tim in Cited #facts. #sotrue, social media today, immediately spring to mind: #relatable, #accurate, many on find can we which hashtags, associated The humor. relatable of it. announcement funny, let the alone consider asudden handstand hardly of part the appropriate throughoutin thebehavior offices world, we would were this if and basis, on astructural (for some reason) handstands doing

Jerry Seinfeld, Seinfeld, Jerry Tim Fransen, Fransen, Tim 2019), 96–97. How does Incongruity Theory account for humor? such relatable Theory How Incongruity does Goodbye.’ for watching. You any. have it is. here ‘Well, Thanks can’t camera, the it hold up to they show of end the The it. taste Can’t it. eat Can’t it. smell on TV. cook Ican’t they why never understand I will accentuates counterexamples for formulating strategy Another , thus evoking a sense of recognition and relatability. and of recognition a sense evoking , thus Het leven als tragikomedie: over humor, kwetsbaarheid en solidariteit en kwetsbaarheid humor, over tragikomedie: als leven Het Seinlanguage , 1st ptg. edition (New York; Toronto: Bantam, 1995). Bantam, York; Toronto: (New edition ptg. , 1st 67

According to to According striking (Lemniscaat, 66

and and

43 Chapter 1 Chapter The Philosophy of Humor 44 70 69 68 The horrified? or saddened sometimes and amused sometimes we are contradicted, are Why, expectations when our of incongruity. experiences amusement fromin the other face ofincongruity distinguishing difficulties humor. in incongruity or of) lack for Theory, of (the more presence examples chapter on the Incongruity in of Philosophy Encyclopedia Stanford The form of fieldwork onthe I reader’s recommendthepart, on entry humor in a as of jokes avariety crack go to and simple advice BeyondTheory. the Incongruity opponents of to the burden ofI consider proof shifted the endlessly, counterexamples possible continue discussing Icannot Because paper, put this into contrast, Ican in words and that energy of amount time, The inexhaustible. virtually is of incongruity localizations conventions the of humor itself.) with of aform antihumor, as read breaking it is because so funny, only it indeed is is this that say to even one if dares conclusion. (And latter the advocating I am my self-esteem a comedian, as humorous be – to for observation the missing deliberately or conclude something is there that funny be to at trying attempt ahorrible making Iam that paper must either think reader of this the response, In coffee?’ their drink and desk their to back walk filled, is cup their as soon as and, of coffee type desired their to corresponds whichever push button machine, under the cup put their machine, coffee the to go office the in people how noticed ever you ‘Have observation:

This contrast between on the one hand the exhaustibility of time, energy and words at my disposal disposal my at words and energy time, of exhaustibility the hand one the on between contrast This of the Absurd. the of notion the Iexplicate when chapter, second the in clear especially become will insight Absurdist This for conclusive, ultimately as humor of account an of defense proper the envisage to amistake be would it Consequently, persists. alternatives of possibility the I debunk, counterexamples many how matter No Absurd. the marks that resolution ultimate of dissolution the of example astriking itself in is counterexamples possible of list endless the hand other the on and skills. comedian my about opinion adverse one’s upholding while conclusion relevant Admittedly, contrary to the above formulation, the disjunction is not exclusive. One may draw the the draw may One exclusive. not is disjunction the formulation, above the to contrary Admittedly, Morreall, “Philosophy of Humor.” “Philosophy Morreall, Still, highlighting the cognitive dimension of humor, this theory has has of humor, dimension theory cognitive the this highlighting Still, and examples The andlist counterexamplesof according affirmative 70 , as well as the sources mentioned sources the well as , as incongruity there is no ultimate resolution ultimate no is there . is 68 exhaustible. In defense In of 69 .

deviates from the expectation-outcome theory. expectation-outcome the from deviates barely that of stand-up a comedy manner in structure the explaining notion of under the ‘norm’, even subsumed be can thereby ‘expectation’ notion, anormative Being whenever humor violated occurs. is logical) a of contradiction the from my view, humor in springs this: is description, outcome. and Amore accurate expectation broader somewhat as than audience’s on the part. of forgetfulness amatter not is always this of – and amount laughter equal retold count on may an jokes and expected; being spite of in their funny are Some things mistaken. is characterization expectation between incongruity the highlights that atheory into universalized of then comedy are Such examples audience’s the expectations. with thereby breaking a punchline, with off finishes comedian whereuponthe aset-up, expectations, with audience with the provides which starts that of atechnique use for make stand-up comedy, often comedians which in well works especially characterization outcome. and This of expectation duality a contradictory as humorous incongruity the have characterized Theorists Ihave noted earlier, As Incongruity incongruity? an presuppose humor does of things kinds which Between incongruity. of the poles the regarding clarification further demand still yet Theory, Incongruity the may, accept aresult, as who precedent accept the argumentation Those incongruity of humorous Poles non-humorous amusement. and humorous between of distinguishing question the to Ireturn on, Later sadness). (e.g., disgust, else of something instead mirth why we experience nor relief explains of but grasp beyond the Theorists, of Incongruity not grasp beyond is only the humorous experience the of note, however, to explanation It important is affective that Theorists. of Incongruity grasp beyond the remains side coin of the affective norm In substitution of this obsolete duality, I frame the incongruity incongruity the Iframe duality, obsolete of this substitution In . That is to say that some kind of norm (e.g., social, grammatical, grammatical, (e.g., of norm some kind that social, say to is . That and and outcome . As we have seen in a couple of examples, this this we acouple have in seen of. As examples, any

humor theorist. Neither superiority superiority Neither theorist. humor

45 Chapter 1 Chapter The Philosophy of Humor 46 73 72 71 of humor. chassis basic beyond the notion of elsewhere, but no the room is for there explication such anatomy notion upon of further embark the ‘norm’ may regarding more expertise with Those clear. sufficiently is incongruity humor’s of part inexorable of an ‘norm’ as meaning basic incomplete, the but Ihope that inevitably jokes. dead-baby notorious the by demonstrated as considered be humorous, also may norms of moral violation the least, the in not and funny consider might it abject many a joke).to although Finally, (e.g., apunchline ahumorous to effect violated omitting be can humor itself of norms even the again, And urinal). funny, or Duchamp’s dysfunctional be to capability the or roles lacking functions (e.g., a clown defining their of contradiction the through funny be to appear may People things and humor (e.g., in restaurant). at feast aMichelin ascene of amessy in victim more, is social What (e.g., word-play). and puns in instance aparticular in means normally of aword what violation the through contradicted, also be may norms humor in (e.g., word-play, and violation puns In non in sequiturs). semantic prone are to that of logic norms also but are there gibberish), deliberate in (e.g., grammatical be humor in can norm above, contradicted the stated As Dictionary: Oxford the in down laid humor.of ‘norm’ of definition the Consider structure formal the to central is “ought” This ‘norm’ be. refers ought to what to terms, here. abstract most In notion of a‘norm’, paramount the is involving brevity

Recall the joke relying on the ambiguity of the verb ‘to miss’. ‘to verb the of ambiguity the on relying joke the Recall Alan Dundes, “The Dead Baby Joke Cycle,” Cycle,” Joke Baby Dead “The Dundes, Alan Simon Blackburn, Blackburn, Simon etiquette, as well as moral norms. moral as well as etiquette, of norms and norms, grammatical are there sense this In censure. of kind some to liable a person renders which from departure behaviour, of pattern definite a or behaviour, for rule a is norm A intricacies on the literature scholarly of the vastness spiteIn of the The Oxford Dictionary of Philosophy of Dictionary Oxford The

conventions such as etiquette may just as well be the the be well as just may conventions etiquette such as Western Folklore Folklore Western 71 (Oxford University Press, UK, 2005), 255. 2005), UK, Press, University (Oxford 38, no. 3 (1979): 145–157. 3(1979): no. 38, 73 This summation is is summation This 72

such abstruseness. paper upon of this argument “ought”, pivotal the base to but Ido not wish an contradicts that hypotheticals) (including “is” even an it contend is that may or “outcome”. of thinkers abstract most “reality” to The duality the side of we reduce may this dualities, discussed previously in As situation. ahypothetical or act in aspeech in event, but an also in occur may a norm of contradiction The incongruity. the constitutes what it unclear duality, is subject 74 the disappointment, to Contrary comical. be to something for suffice cannot itself in component how see incongruity and of disappointment indispensable an is outcome and that anticipation between incongruity the recognize of disappointment, commonplace most instances the up with come only may One incongruity. so. to Humor one only of way is responding humorous but amusement, not necessarily met with be can incongruity that humorthe scholarto first as analyze apointed toresponse incongruity, out of incongruity? experiences other amusement from How do we distinguish of mirth. sensation the to contrary quite reactions count on emotional sometimes can of a norm violation contrary, on the humorous; norm a of contradiction the notfind one need that jokes baby dead- against revulsion widespread the from evident become already It has incongruity of insufficiency The anorm. contradicts reality of (a presentation the such hypothetical) that incongruity, by an humor constituted is of accounts incongruity: previous upon based incongruity, of condition the of definition working imperfect

Cf. William Hazlitt, “On Wit and Humour,” and Wit “On Hazlitt, William Cf. between what things are, and what they ought to be to ought they what and are, things what between with struck is that animal only the is he for weeps: and laughs that animal only the The The Regarding the insufficiency of incongruity, James Beattie, arguably arguably Beattie, James incongruity, of insufficiency the Regarding is not. What is it that contradicts anorm? end other of the the At contradicts it that is What not. is object of the humorous contradiction is clear now, clear is humorous of contradiction the the whereas 74 By lack of an ultimately satisfying notion, I present an Ipresent notion, an satisfying ultimately of Bylack an Lectures on the English Comic Writers Comic English the on Lectures .”

, 1819, 1: “Man is is “Man 1: , 1819,

the difference the

47 Chapter 1 Chapter The Philosophy of Humor 48 77 76 75 humorous We experience? the emotions of absent in need in continue be to serious are Why of incongruity? out experience of the driven sensation risible why when the is and For remains: question the of incongruity. perceptions other humor from for distinguishing acriterion as helpful we have, it scarcely that is best the out be to turn may strategy this While account is given by William Hazlitt: by William account given is not is overshadowed (i.e.,sensation by other emotions. A similar mirth) risible the perceived if humorous is as only words, other In incongruity of humor, himself: constitutive condition Beattie including incongruous the to appendices tautological) have (often presented almost philosophers of amusement. some kind stated, we as have already arouses, humorous encountered cases in incongruity

Beattie, “An Essay on Laughter, and Ludicrous Composition.” Ludicrous and Laughter, on “An Essay Beattie, Beattie, 682. Beattie, Hazlitt, “On Wit and Humour,” 1. and Wit “On Hazlitt, reconcile its to contrary appearances. contrary to belief its reconcile ( or contrast surprise mere by occasioned movement, involuntary and convulsive of sort same the be to defined be may laughter while of circumstances: change the to feelings its reconcile to time had has it before emotion, violent and overcome sudden some by mind the of resource involuntary and natural the as considered be may Tears authority greater of emotion other some Emotion, Risible the excite part, most or for the always, [that is it]my answer will […], provoke laughter always will amixture such whether asked, it be again If assemblage. same the in united, be to or supposed exhibited, contrariety, and of relation […] sign mixture uncommon an is external the is Laughter whereof or sentiment emotion pleasing [T]hat many incongruity, of insufficiency the on emphasis Beattie’s Since in the absence of any more serious emotion serious more any of absence the in unless when the perception of it is attended with with attended is it of perception the when unless 75

. 76 (my italicization) 77 ), before it has time to to time ), it before has (my italicization) Incongruity Theorists who argue that humor needs the humor the needs that who argue Theorists Incongruity by some suggested have been additions Relatively recently, trivial less The resolutionary condition humor? on literature scholarly the from distil we can that criteria morethere fruitful Are questions. these to answer order asatisfactory provide in to a criterion 79 78 anon-ambiguous synonym: with ‘type’ replaced would not joke work the we if all, After all. after of congruity some kind in of itmeaning makes the wordfit into ‘type’ aschema, conceptual resulting it makes joke, we get this When is resolved. apparent incongruity an which in of puzzle-solving akind to inherent is amusement that the in humor consists that argue 1983), for(1972, instance, incongruity. not just incongruity,

T. Schultz, “A Cognitive-Developmental Analysis of Humor,” of in Analysis “A Cognitive-Developmental T. Schultz, https://doi.org/10.2307/1128432. AReexamination,” Humor: Children’s in Resolution and Perspectives and Empirical Issues Analysis,” Information-Processing An Cartoons: and Jokes of and Applications incongruity. of picture the into resolution of criterion additional the of proponent and out by manifest it makes or contradiction the evokes apprehension comic The contradiction… painless the comical, the contradiction, suffering the is tragic the but tradiction; con on based are both as far so in same, the are comic the and tragic “The 67: Questia,” Library: Cf. “Kierkegaard’s Concluding Unscientific Postscript by Soren Kierkegaard, 1941 | Online Research Research |1941 Online Kierkegaard, by Soren Postscript Unscientific Concluding Cf. “Kierkegaard’s , which is why the contradiction is painless. The tragic apprehension sees the contradiction contradiction the sees apprehension tragic The painless. is contradiction the why is , which “Get out of here!” shouts the bartender. “We don’t serve your font!” your serve “We don’t bartender. the shouts here!” of out “Get abar. into walk Sans Comic and Calibri type!” your serve “We don’t bartender. the shouts here!” of out “Get abar. into walk Sans Comic and Calibri despairs of a way out away of despairs 79 This is what it means to “get” a joke. For instance, get this: get “get” to this: For ajoke. it what means is instance, This . (New York: Wiley, 1976); Jerry M. Suls, “A Two-Stage Model for the Appreciation Appreciation the for Model “A Two-Stage Suls, M. Jerry 1976); York: Wiley, . (New .” (my italicization) In this passage, Kierkegaard may be read as an early early an as read be may Kierkegaard passage, this In italicization) (my .” 1 (1972): 81–100; Diana Pien and Mary K. Rothbart, “Incongruity “Incongruity Rothbart, K. Mary and Pien Diana 81–100; (1972): 1 sense 78 Thomas Schultz (1976) and Jerry Suls Suls (1976) Jerry Schultz and Thomas to us. The recognition of the double of the recognition The us. to

Child Development Humor and Laughter: Theory, Research Research Theory, Laughter: and Humor The Psychology of Humor: Theoretical having in mind the way way the mind in having 47, no. 4 (1976): 966–71, 966–71, 47, 4(1976): no. resolution of of

-

49 Chapter 1 Chapter The Philosophy of Humor 50 antihumor that its jokes do not make sense. To sense. do not put jokes make it oxymoronically, its that antihumor point of the it exactly is that claim may dimension resolutionary of the funny. as incongruity such would an regard many resolution, explanatory of absence an the Despite simply inexplicable. is brilliance sudden His intelligence. his he hides which behind not a façade, been has idiocy his that clear it is state, this to of idiocy.default returning In state his to return to only vocabulary, sophisticated most the using observation, abrilliant alucid face, he makes anomaly. look on his With a salient manifests of asudden, character mid-movie, this All proper deliberation. the without actions certain undertaking and remarks dumb dropping pose, and physiognomy associated the with idiot, typical the as movie, the throughout appears, who character a Imagine character. of break –the walks silly of such anomaly motoric the and nature foremost nonsensical the place, bureaucracy, but does notthis resolve It the incongruity. is, in and the first state of modern nature kafkaesque supposedly the highlights Ministry the scheme which in aconceptual in placed be may Walks of Silly Ministry of the Surely, fashion. incongruity the a silly, in not if hilarious, walk employees all ministry, imagined this In sketch byPython. Monty famous dimension. resolutionary the without of possibility the demonstrating examples, considerfollowing of the question, resolution into essentiality humor. to the not it is order crucial In call to structure, architectural of its ingenuity of the amusement recognition in of additional terms in mind. in ‘type’ and ‘font’ between relation synonymous the with all, solved after be can incongruity the Thus, version joke. of the previous the includes that schema word aconceptual of in the use ‘font’ the understands Of course, one may findthis examplefunny, butthat is only because one The final example deals, once again, with antihumor. A proponent A antihumor. with again, once deals, example final The sudden actor’s an is of humor mere as example incongruity Another Walks’, of Silly a ‘Ministry the recall of vividly may my readers Many perhaps joke, the to touch specific a add may resolution Although absurdity of them – that makes the episode so risible. so episode the makes –that of them humor as mere incongruity mere as humor , that is to say, to is , that it is is it incongruity in antihumor, over in right her goes joke head. the incongruity resolve the for to someone if attempts incongruity, the maintaining without antihumor humor in the recognize meta-resolution. cannot One only is latter the for resolution, the by resolved not is norm specific the of contradiction the not is because resolved, Clearly, incongruity the aresolution of incongruity? called be this But how can criterion. central humor’s conventions, upholds humor’s antihumor By violating norms. violate to namely comedy, of norm fundamental most the affirms it so, conventions the comedy, in violates doing antihumor in Indeed, and oxymoron. the up in summed of is which confusion the domains, two sense makes it that sense making not in 81 80 in humor consists that alternatives, of by lack informative fashion, Beattiean contend, arather in For now is what obscure. now, illuminate I will research Hopefully, future today. psychologists and for philosophers asubject obscure too still and here, conditions for complex these provide it too is Unfortunately, Icannot apprehension. humoristic to prone adequately is Absurd the of phenomenon of order humor the whether in see to for conditions possibility have the the ajoke. off top to ingredient for aspecial humor, as appreciated widely be it may although condition anecessary be to not does appear dimension resolutionary the

A similar argument may be given with respect to non sequiturs, which by definition lack resolution, resolution, lack definition by which sequiturs, non to respect with given be may argument similar A expects in a problem of algebra, geometry, or even physical .” physical even or geometry, algebra, of aproblem in expects one kind the of resolution no be can […] [T]here legitimate. –never spurious always is “resolution” the because remains always domains incongruous the between A tension oxymoron. an perceive to is humor To perceive resolved. completely never is incongruity aproblem, to solution correct the joke of kind this of conclusion the since Cf. Elliott Oring, Oring, Cf. Elliott Still, the demand for extra criteria remains pressing, for pressing, we to need remains criteria for demand extra the Still, Engaging Humor 81

the amusing experience of incongruity experience amusing the (University of Illinois Press, 2010), 14: “If resolution means finding finding means resolution “If 14: 2010), Press, Illinois of (University does not follow not does . This analysis, however, analysis, confuses . This . 80 In conclusion, conclusion, In

.

51 Chapter 1 Chapter The Philosophy of Humor 52 Indeed, the emphasis ought to be on the devaluation of the object rather rather object of the devaluation on the be ought to emphasis the Indeed, of humor on on effect its much too focuses Theory Superiority that recognition by the motivated the humor with what does part in of humor. structure formal the no in place but it has involved humor, in mechanisms social of the parts highlight may Theory Superiority function, social important an humor as has oneself.in Still, more emanated supposedly are that ideals logocentric with incongruous it is because of logic moronic misunderstanding another’s mocks One or expectations. standards norms, certain to relation in object the to of incongruity by reference Theory, ascription the to for Incongruity by the even accounted may be of more, superiority is feelings What superiority. of source one’s the of is of which feeling getting the joke, one the gets that it circular, presupposes since would be ingenuity of linguistic terms over in others asuperiority from born are puns alternatively, that assert, To general. in or language words, meanings toward of superiority feelings how exhibits apun imagine to It hard for of is puns. example Think all. for of some humor, forms explanation an as serve may but not superiority affect. relieving about the brings and precedes that structure formal of the explanation an of providing instead partner, of humor, unfaithful of its effect even or perhaps the effect psychophysiological the namely end mechanism, of the wrong the describes Relief Theory acause. than effect more be an to ithumor; appears of characteristic however, of aformal relief as think to reason no obvious laughter, go acomedy night: to to say, is, they There tension. relieves of humor. effect psychophysiological It for acommonplace is reason people the of portion significant a explain to said be may Theory humor,Relief amore into of complex picture other theories integrate to If we wish Relevance1.5. of relief and devaluation Superiority Theory, or Superiority rather a modified slightly version of it, explains notion of the Theory, Superiority of the relevance the to Returning subject , instead of the effect on its on its effect of the , instead object of humor. The modification is laughter object , . 82 accordingly. devalues then itself which astandard, to according overperforms object when the of humor, aresult as conversely, occur may provaluation a standard; object to according underperforms object when the devaluation, object in result of humor humor: may theory explanatory an as informative hardly remains account that an –into Theory Devaluation –i.e., the Theory Superiority the of version modified already the modify to than option other no see Hence, it I seems. contrary, the Quite inferior? as athlete we the regard case? Do this in but devaluation where the is evident, is reality and norm between incongruity The my expectations. violates radically so athlete this that comical it find I humor; of experience the induces spectator, world the Surely, a record. as my astonishment, halving nearly thereby the race, beyond he winning linethe crosses in five finish exactly seconds, but, race, the he wins To favorite. absolute He the no one’s is surprise, the norm? Consider an who athlete firstto is onfinish the expected 100m. to superior far by being expectation an violates someone or something the to of humor, applies object devaluation the is the which while incongruity, To up, a norm. sum the violates that entity the of humor is Rather, object devalued. devalued is the that incongruity the be therefore and it cannot something one devalues that incongruity an for by it exposing is here incongruity, not meant is the object the course, humor. in a victim Of always is There subject. of the exaltation the than

Theory once again. once Theory Incongruity the reinforces This standard. associated the and performance between incongruity, of Notice, however, how the concepts of ‘underperformance’ and ‘overperformance’ bear a structure astructure bear ‘overperformance’ and ‘underperformance’ of concepts the however, how Notice, But what about exceeded expectations? Is it not funny when Is it not funny expectations? Butabout exceeded what violator of the norm. of the 82

violation

constitutes the the constitutes

53 Chapter 1 Chapter The Philosophy of Humor 54 related desires from repression. from desires related ofof humorous tension-relief amusement by lifting experiencer the to (norm), of violation some provide degree may and object overperformed or the (reality) of violation subject underperforming the devalue may which reality, of) (the presentation and norm between of incongruity experience amusing Humor the is conditions. essential most its including humor. of philosophy the in true be we to what know from tenable argument main the order in make to possible, way utilize best the in to theories different the tried have I and – useful remain definitions these argumentation, previous the in seen have we as However, definitions. theoretical our to phenomenon, insubordinate enigmatic an humor? Humoris remains what question: the regarding no consensus still is there investigation, psychological and of philosophical centuries after that, is consensus of humor. philosophy the pervasive most The within disagreement widespread remains there that acknowledged it be should Still, definition Operational 1.6.

In conclusion, we have arrived at a working definition of humor, of definition working a at arrived have we conclusion, In

55 Chapter 1 Chapter

59 Chapter 2

The Notion Absurd the of

Sisyphus Franz von Stuck (1920), (1920), Stuck von Franz The Notion of the Absurd 60 Camus, 1 Camus, quite obviously –we should know what to the argument asawhole, because – paramount is This itself. condition the of grasp firm a have we until postponed responses to the absurd condition, is commitment to apattern of humorous the issue of Humoristic Absurdism, as the that, the notion of the absurd.” the “feeling of the absurd is not, for all described as such, because, as Camus says, neutral phenomenon, but at least it be can be experiencedcan evaluatively as an not necessarily mean that the Absurd the ‘Fathercall of Absurdism’. does This forward Camus, by whom Albert we may largely the in sense that been has put the meaning of the notion of the Absurd, explores, evaluatively an in neutral sense, is the Absurd?What chapter This The Myth of Sisyphus of Myth The , 32. 1 Accordingly, Accordingly,

Like in logic, absurdity refers to a relational phenomenon. refers arelational to absurdity logic, in Like Camusian2.1. notion: meaninglessness Absurd. the Absurd, we should ask what constitutes that we may experience the in face of the before explicating the horror or delight propose apattern of responses at So, all. the object of our responses is if we are to Camus, 3 Camus, 2 this inference from we apply nor alogical can conundrum, absurd the We absurdity. no escape out way is there of this cannot true, being facts spite In of both at odds. irreconcilably are they contradictory; mutually is oneis of Absurd of the characteristic is that structure relational other words,In the notion of the absurdity: explains Camus of facts. upon a ofconjunction propositions. More specifically, itis a but proposition, must atomic rely an in consist cannot Absurd the that With regard to absurdity in logic, think for example of the method of of method the of example for think logic, in absurdity to regard With compared; it is born of their confrontation. their of born is it compared; elements of the neither in It lies adivorce. essentially is absurd The it. transcends world that the and action an between reality, certain a and fact a bare between comparison the from it bursts but that impression or an of afact scrutiny mere the from not spring does thethat of absurdity feeling insaying I am justified thus comparison. a from springs absurdity the For of them each peace-treaties. even and wars silences, rancours, challenges, marriages, absurd are There The Myth of Sisyphus of Myth The incongruity . The conjunction of facts manifested in the Absurd Absurd the in manifested of facts conjunction . The , 33. 3 reductio ad absurdum ad reductio 2 That is to say say to is That confrontation .

61 Chapter 2 Chapter The Notion of the Absurd 62 5 4 Camus, this frustrates inevitably that a reality and beings human in or need appeal desire, insuperable an between incongruity by an constituted is differently, Absurd the [ need human the between confrontation this of born is absurd “The definition: following the than further scarcely gets Absurd of the conceptualization his Absurd, the illustrate to efforts his spite In of works. all literary his in not in only existence, of human absurdity fore, the come the demonstrate to manner. which examples Many argumentative an notion of in the explanation extensive an providing from of heart at is the Absurd the Although of existence. fact bare this consequence of logical only the is Perhaps suicide existing? why bother option philosophy.” of question fundamental the answering to amounts living or not is worth is life whether Judging suicide. is problem, that and philosophical serious but is one truly “There essay: 1942 of his beginning very at the raised, is of achosen death possibility of the question the of death, necessity of the Because meaningless. ultimately existence renders our death Afterlife an thespecifically,Absurd resides, accordingto Camus,in the fact thatwithout More existence. our to indifferent is that a universe in meaning of ultimate theabsence and meaning ultimate fordesire innate the between conflict irreconcilable the in consists Absurd For the him, notion Absurd. of the false. be must premises eitherof the that order demonstrate in to contradiction disappoints.” Camus, 31–32; cf. Camus, 50: “It is that divorce between the mind that desires and the world that that world the and desires that mind the between divorce that is “It 50: Camus, cf. 31–32; Camus, Which facts stand in contradiction with each other in the Absurd? Absurd? the in other each with contradiction in stand facts Which Throughout , of death can be rephrased: if existence is ultimately meaningless, meaningless, ultimately is existence if rephrased: be can , of death appel humain appel The Myth of Sisyphus of Myth The 4 The pressing question of the possibility, or more precisely the or more the possibility, precisely of the question pressing The The Myth of Sisyphus of Myth Sisyphus The ] and the unreasonable silence of the world.” of silence the unreasonable the ] and . appel humain appel The Myth of Sisyphus Myth The . (1942), Camus investigates the the (1942), investigates Camus The Myth of Sisyphus Myth The , Camus refrains refrains , Camus , but also , but also 5 Put Put 7 6 worldly every nullifies supposedly which death, impending his of virtue in life of his meaninglessness ultimate the concerns wrestles Ivan dying in Similarly, mortality: inevitable our by absurd rendered as condition autobiographical his In Sisyphus in speaks Camus of which absurdity the interpret to way One mortality notion: Tolstoyan 2.2. frustrated? desire how this and is desired, insuperably is What Absurd? the notion of of the explanation tenable most the is what arises: question the explanation, room for is there further that Concluding unintelligible. and incoherent concept would be apprehended,be of very contradiction the cannot that were idea an absurdity if and were inexplicable, inexplicability notion of the if Indeed, existential. the to not is identical existential for meta- the analysis, philosophical to notion insubordinate renders the condition human the in inherent inexplicability the that plausible it Nor is short glance over the vast disagreement over scholars. notion among the disagreement over vast the glance short condition witha itself. of The is hypothesis falsified self-evidentiality easily human of the inexplicability notion or of the the nature involve obvious the archives/win2017/entries//. https://plato.stanford.edu/ 2017), University, Stanford Lab, Research (Metaphysics 2017 Winter Leo Tolstoy, Tolstoy, Leo in “Existentialism,” Crowell, Steven later, and I myself will be no more. be Why, do anything? later, then, will Imyself and forgotten be sooner or will be, may whatever they My deeds, worms. the except stench and the remain will nothing and me, to everyone, to approaching) were they already (indeed, come will death If not and today, sickness tomorrow then may explication further against for resistance his Possible reasons can be referred to as the ‘Tolstoyan understanding of the Absurd’. of the understanding ‘Tolstoyan the as referred to be can Confession The Death of Ivan Ilyich of Ivan Death The , trans. David Patterson, 1983, 30. 1983, Patterson, David , trans. Confession The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy of Encyclopedia Stanford The , Leo , TolstoyLeo reflects onthe existential , the central question with which the the which with question central , the , ed. Edward N. Zalta, Zalta, N. Edward ed. , The Myth of Myth The 7

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63 Chapter 2 Chapter The Notion of the Absurd 64 10 9 8 know. Just because…” Nagel summarizes dramatically: “I don’t sighing: reasons, continue forever, further without left she is until may of reasons chain The atournament. win to she aims that say might we why, if continue ask to athlete; develop to abetter into she she wants reply shethat might shape, good in be to we why if she ask wants shape; good in be to she wants because it contend she is may that meal, healthy a eats someone If demanded. be can reason given any for justification further incomplete,because is act particular a of justification every vein, this in Absurdists to According chains’. justificatory of incompleteness the from ‘argument the version Tolstoyan argument of his the call us Let finitude. of fact the through meaning of nullification supposed the investigating Absurd, of Tolstoyan the philosophy the upon (what Icall) categorized. sometimes is Camus Albert under which Tolstoyan tradition, the in or lifespan’s inexorable limit. the with than death, impending an holsters still years for of a million existence, a lifespan meaning. this to of ultimacy some kind be to needs there character, that we if demand meaningful its of deprived is of non-existence, existence prospect the With meaning.

where 2013). death?” approaching by my inevitably destroyed be not will that life my in meaning any there Is differently: still it put to Or anything? do or Cf. , “The Absurd,” Absurd,” “The Nagel, Thomas Cf. life? entire my of come will What tomorrow? and today Ido what of come will “What 34–35: Tolstoy, Cf. Victor Brombert, Brombert, Victor end? All of it is an elaborate journey leading nowhere. (One will also also (One will nowhere. leading journey elaborate an of it is end? All final what to but – career a pursue and family a support to perhaps year, to year from oneself sustain to food, entertainment, housing, for pay to clothing, money earn to works and one studies mid-: in off leave must justification of chains all die, to going are we [B]ecause Nagel expands Thomas profound analysis, a moreIn philosophically Expressed differently, the question may be: Why should I live? Why should I wish for anything anything for wish I should Why live? I should Why be: may question the differently, Expressed or or how 10 But how exactly does death annul the ? meaning the annul death does But how exactly Musings on Mortality: From Tolstoy to Primo Levi Primo to Tolstoy From Mortality: on Musings , which renders life meaningless according to Absurdists Absurdists to according renders meaningless life , which The Journal of Philosophy of Journal The 8 This has less to do with the brevity of our of our brevity the do with to less has This 9 It is the fact fact It the is 68, no. 20 (1971): 716–17. (1971): 20 no. 68, (University of Chicago Press, Press, Chicago of (University that we not die, when

12 11 demand recurring The errors. fundamental into runs still argument his of love. reason one supplies the one’s chain forto child bringing school justificatory comesto an endwhen mother. Hence, of the aloving self-justifying. ears Love is the in absurd would sound itself question If we why the asked love she should him. him, she loves Because well-being? about his shewell-being. care does Why for his acare in grounded is concern development. This intellectual his about she cares her school? son to Because amother bring does Why of love one’s being. example forTake the human unconditional another justification. further demands justification chain. justificatory in its of absence finality by the canbe complete.Thus,annulled justification each is andjustification every of chain no lifespan, our of limits the beyond demand justificatory the that an end to but why one pursue ask: may somewhere, purpose yet single for come every it should conclusive, be to chain justificatory a For

everything upon which one may have an impact will be no more. no be will impact an have may one which upon everything Eventually, nullification. essential the nullify not does it nullification; the delays only lives ations’ gener future toward purposes of extension the course, Of people. other on has one that impact Nagel, “The Absurd,” 717. Absurd,” “The Nagel, Nagel, 717. Nagel, ? All additional reasons may face further questioning; and extending extending and questioning; face further may reasons additional ? All If the Tolstoyan Absurdist insists on the supplementation of reasons, supplementation on the of reasons, insists Tolstoyan Absurdist If the end-points. these of finality the on bearing no has justified be can whole a as process the and life,whether within antoend come repeatedly justification of Chains sequence. of the member later some purpose its as has of which each of activities of asequence [L]ife not consist does not every that said be it may argument, this to opposition In too.) die will for they problem, the reproduces simply but that lives, people’s on other effect some have Notice how Tolstoy and Nagel make strikingly parallel remarks on the equally decaying decaying equally the on remarks parallel strikingly make Nagel and Tolstoy how Notice

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65 Chapter 2 Chapter The Notion of the Absurd 66 13 of property the manifesting indeed endlessness, and eternity to linked inextricably is Sisyphus sense, this In task. of his repetition the in ushers which back it down, roll see to only summit, Tartaric the toward rock condemned atask to been famously had Sisyphus for finitude, human to linked is Absurd the when sense no makes of Sisyphus myth the Absurd, of the allegory condition? an As the take Absurd. foundation of the the be cannot life’s absurdity, mortality eradicate and (connected to (connected to chain of a antithesis the Since attainable. never really distance, infinite an at remain would end ultimate our justification, extrinsic of regress infinite the With lives. mortal in than lives immortal in more no final end? – Tolstoyan cry the of immortality context the If we within repeat not only rendering ironically regress, infinite an in results justification for further

Nagel, 717–18. Nagel, Besides, Besides, if life were absurd due to thenits finitude, why Camus would itself? outside something by justified be must which of link each chain, infinite an by accomplished be could what anything, justify cannot reasons of chain finite a if Moreover, complete. be can justification of andchain no results, regress infinite anthen justified, is also which itself, outside something of terms in justified is it unless justify If too. somewhere end to have would justification that self-justifying, as regarded commonly are that life in things the all for pursuing Even justification to if supply someone wished a further mortal eternal – we ought to admit that purposive finality is something that lies lies that something is finality purposive that admit to ought we – 13 immortality life absurd, but absurd, life condemnation of Sisyphus as allegorical to the human human the to allegorical as of condemnation Sisyphus mortality ), would not solve the problem of justification justification of problem the solve not would ), immortal ), that is, an an is, ), that repeated through eternity life equally so: equally life infinite justificatory chain justificatory finite nothing justificatory can :

to roll a roll to to what what to both in his other philosophical essays, such as essays, other philosophical his in both motif a predominant remained has death contrary, the quite oeuvre; of his inwiderthe publication, span fluctuating of particular this characteristic condition. for absurd the irrelevant not at wholly is least of death prospect the that implied it continually is Throughout absurdity”? obvious most “the is death that claims still Camus that it is how life, of absurdity the to finitude of pointless. task renders Sisyphus’ of non-existence no that prospect is words, other In there striving. of his ceaselessness the through immortality 15 14 explains: Nagel exposition, engagement. more In for detailed this grounds the question into calls which nowhere particular from in perspective possible the hand other on the and commitments our and life engagementserious with our one on hand the between incongruity the it in absurdity, locating of picture up amore draw mature Nagel to continues 2.2, in discussed Tolstoyanism such the as accounts afew embryonic refuting (1971). After Absurd’ ‘The Nagel in by Thomas put condition, forward human absurd the of amore account, a more recent to promising characterization turn us Let commitments trivial notion: Nagelian 2.3. Afterlife. of absence an the but se, per with mortality do with to nothing later, see has on death emphasis we this will works, literary Death and Rebellion,

E.g. Camus, Camus, E.g. Plague Camus, Albert 29; 2012), Camus, Albert 2012); Group, Publishing Doubleday Essays Death: and Albert Camus, “,” “Nuptials,” Camus, Albert Keeping in mind the overwhelming evidence against the relevance relevance the against evidence overwhelming the mind in Keeping (Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group, 2012); Albert Camus, Camus, Albert 2012); Group, Publishing Doubleday (Knopf The Myth of Sisyphus of Myth The The Stranger Stranger The (Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group, 2012); Albert Camus, Camus, Albert 2012); Group, Publishing Doubleday (Knopf The Stranger The (1960) and (1960) and Lyrical and Critical Essays Critical and Lyrical , 108.: “[Sisyphus’] hatred of death”. of hatred “[Sisyphus’] , 108.: (1942), (Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group, 2012); Albert Camus, Camus, Albert 2012); Group, Publishing Doubleday (Knopf Death A Happy Plague The 14 What is more, this is not is merely a more, is this What : An Essay on Man in Revolt in Man on Essay An Rebel: The , 1968, 90; Albert Camus, Camus, Albert 90; , 1968, (1947) Nuptials Nuptials (1971), and in his major major his in (1971), and The

and and The Myth of Sisyphus Myth The The Fall Fall The (1938), (1938), (Penguin UK, 2013). UK, (Penguin Resistance, Rebellion, Rebellion, Resistance, Happy Death Happy Resistance, Resistance, (1956). (Vintage, (Vintage, (Knopf (Knopf 15 As As The The

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67 Chapter 2 Chapter The Notion of the Absurd 68 18 17 16 Absurd: of the experience the in manifested simultaneously are scrutiny engagement objective the and subjective the which in way upon the expands Plant carefulness, utmost Nagel with Citing Absurd. the to disposition ahumoristic attempt at justifying for own his way the paving thereby Theory, Incongruity the to linked terminologically an as Absurd on the emphasis special places latter The Plant. doubt.” or to open arbitrary, as serious wewhich are about everything of regarding possibility perpetual the and lives our take we which with seriousness the between collision “the from of Absurdism, school Nagelian the to according born, is view. Absurd words, other In the point of objective an from frivolous utterly is valuation that we value, that things help the but we value cannot While commitments. of those triviality objective the and commitments our toward seriousness of subjective juxtaposition due the to absurd is condition human the understood, Thus

This attempt recurs in greater detail in the following chapter, in which I lay down a basic under a basic down I lay which in chapter, following the in detail greater in recurs attempt This standing of Humoristic Absurdism. Humoristic of standing Nagel, 718. Nagel, Nagel, “The Absurd,” 719. Absurd,” “The Nagel, nearly undiminished seriousness in spite of them. spite in seriousness undiminished nearly with live to continuing settled, be cannot we know that doubts the we ignore because It absurd is absurd. life makes what is that and us, in collide viewpoints inescapable two These gratuitous. appears seriousness the which from lives, of our form particular the outside of view apoint Yet available others. we always have than seriously more things some we take that show which choices making without nor attention, and energy without lives human live We cannot of one’s personal loves and likes, pleasures, pains and deepest deepest and pains pleasures, likes, and loves of one’s personal andarbitrariness the contingency, insignificance foreground relative will Europe of history the or evolution human (e.g.) of context the in life one’s own view. Seeing subjective the abandon completely outside’, we from not do ourselves ‘see we (objectively) [W]hen Bob by refined been recently has Absurd the of account Nagel’s 16 17 incongruity 18 - ,

21 20 19 of realm the within discern may or whatever one dispositions beliefs, pro-attitudes, desires, from emanate motivations associated and reasons practical all, After constitution. of individual our perspective the within but from of ‘nowhere particular’, in life, itto notedoes is notimportant that justification operateinthe realm are built. commitments serious ground our which upon justified) (apparently the not-so- positionality, backward the from doubt regarding, fundamental the with contrast stark in by Nagel, stands acknowledged fact, This acting. for sufficient be to take we hunger, ofthat feeling agonizing of love demands the and such the as reasons, are lives; there mortal our of domain finite the within possible is end-points justificatory of finality Tolstoyan Absurdism, against arguments Nagel’sdeduced from earlier life”? within end an to repeatedly “come chains justificatory if committed, are we which to actions and apprehension settled”, the be in projects ofcannot the in the experience of the Absurd. of the experience the in present are step engagement backward the serious and both Absurdists, For needed. are Nagelian engagement.our Therefore, viewpoints both by absorbed fully step, always we backward if never the absurd took Conversely, Absurd. would not condition of our be the constitutive engagement is the that annihilating thus indifference, to would lead disengagement Such life. radical subjective from us disengaged perspective objective the noif absurdity, no collision, would be there that say to is That

Plant, “Absurdity, Incongruity and Laughter,” 121. Laughter,” and Incongruity “Absurdity, Plant, Plant, 128–29. Plant, Nagel, “The Absurd,” 717, 719. 717, Absurd,” “The Nagel, In addition to the full-blooded justification of commitments within within commitments of justification full-blooded the to addition In know “we which doubt, irresolvable How, be there can though, [subjective] life’[.] from us ‘disengage fundamentally not does leap imaginative […] of life’ this forms possible taking But ofthe occupants world, onespecific ofcountless highly idiosyncratic, ‘arbitrary, as ourselves perceive here we will is, That desires. 21 It seems inconsistent, even hypocritical. As we have As even hypocritical. It inconsistent, seems 20 subjectivity . The view from nowhere from in view . The

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69 Chapter 2 Chapter The Notion of the Absurd 70 of absurdity and the insuperable possibility of refutation. of possibility insuperable the and absurdity of picture up this Nagel draws which with seriousness the between collision the irony in is conclusion, In true condition. the account absurd of the aconvincing provide to fails Nagel already Absurd, the to disposition ironic account of the is Absurd Eveninadequate. before he attempts to defend an the Nagelian Thus, matters. justificatory these noweight in ofhas doubt, wellspring the be to Nagel takes that positionality objective the particular, 25 24 23 22 loved of our or ones. those strivings our resolution to ultimate an provides let one alone that death, after continues existence that believe to of lack absolute reason the and death, their absent after loved ones somehow radically seem living our all that end-point, an as of death of given lack founded hope is evidence upon the hope”. without of adeath Hence, he a“conscious preaches certainty life.” another gateway to the “a is is door.” For closed death death that him, believe to not he does “want that work, when he says early his in already of hope for dissipation The post-life redemption by Camus, echoed is Afterlife. of an dogma out religious of the of humanity uprooting modern the in deeply rooted are absurdity, include some element of existential resolution. of dissolution the as upon my twofoldI elaborate account Absurd of the follows, what In projects. in and strivings physiological ubiquitous the in both of striving, renewal the in ushering continually dissolve, to tendency innate an possess resolutions which in way the denoting dissipation, this to related intimately second is The strivings. or our secular, to religious whether resolution, ultimate an of dissipation the concerns first The around what I call the ‘dissolution of the resolution’. Icall what around revolves which Absurd, of the I present a novelaccounts, conceptualization of these substitution In account. alternative We of need an desperate in are Modified2.4. notion: dissolution of resolution

Camus, “Nuptials,” 76. Camus, 90. Notice the etymological link between ‘dissolution’ and ‘resolution’. Despite the fact that resolutions resolutions that fact the Despite ‘resolution’. and ‘dissolution’ between link etymological the Notice Flanagan (New York: Oxford University Press, 2018); Crowell, “Existentialism.” Crowell, 2018); Press, University York: Oxford (New Flanagan Neuroscience of Age the in Purpose and Morals, Meaning, existentialism: dissatisfaction. and satisfaction words, or, other in dissolving and resolving being alternate to seems life Thus, resolutions. new for yearn we and dissolve to tend they condition, human the within attained be can Gregg D. Caruso and Owen Flanagan, “Neuroexistentialism: Third-Wave Existentialism,” in in Existentialism,” Third-Wave “Neuroexistentialism: Flanagan, Owen and D. Caruso Gregg Existentialism and Absurdism, as well as other philosophies that that philosophies other as well as Absurdism, and Existentialism 22 This idea is twofold. is idea This , ed. Gregg D. Caruso Owen Owen D. Caruso Gregg , ed. 25 Neuro This This

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71 Chapter 2 Chapter The Notion of the Absurd 72 26 conclusive for demand critical its with Enlightenment, of Age the after afew decades no century, more than nineteenth the in arose Absurdism, a movement to related intimately existentialism, that coincidental from far development this It of in secularization is centuries. two last the in leap. a such of absurdity of the regardless kingdom, paradisiacal His and toward of ofa leap imperative faith, – the ground of absence ultimate the is, that – of existence nature Absurd’, irrational concluded of the idea ‘the from Søren offor the Kierkegaard, pioneer an Afterlife. example, arguably of the status ontological the to regard with consensus been there has Absurdism of tradition philosophical the not within even in Besides, not overstated. be other words, in should do. Secularization, certainly Heaven many Hell, and in or Islam adherent of single Christianity not every although and worldwide; a majority constitute together Muslims and Christians Indeed, life. eternal the to amere is prologue existence earthly our that conviction us. awaiting salvation paradisiacal no strivings, our resolution to of no ultimate promise heaven,is there the alife into soul immortal of an transversion the in believe to no reason eyes of Absurdists, matter. for the in that is, There reincarnation of cyclical some doctrine (life life this continuation of infinite of an idea the to (life Afterlife an to contrast in understood be must finitude our of dimension absurd the absurdity”, obvious most “the as on emphasis death Camusian the and of Tolstoyan Absurdism rejection

Issue of Hereditary Sin Hereditary of Issue Dogmatic the on Deliberation Orienting Psychologically A Simple Anxiety: of 8: Concept Volume VIII, Forord Angest, Begrebet Smuler, Philosophiske B\a Og Even, Frygt Gjentagelsen, Til Kommentarbind Skrifter: Kierkegaards Søren Søren Kierkegaard, Søren Kierkegaard, Nonetheless, the number of non-believers has become unparalleled of number non-believers the Nonetheless, unparalleled become has of number people continue have to astrong agreat Admittedly, the after us puzzled left which death, of significance the Revisiting 26 after after Gesammelte Werke (Princeton University Press, 2013), 91–93. 2013), Press, University (Princeton death, let alone a life that bears salvation. Without Without salvation. bears that alife let alone death, , vol. 4 (Gad, 1998), 384–96; Søren Kierkegaard, Kierkegaard, Søren , 384–96; 4 vol. 1998), (Gad, ; 1 (Verlag nicht ermittelbar, 1933), 78–80; Søren Kierkegaard, Kierkegaard, Søren 78–80; 1933), ermittelbar, nicht (Verlag 1 ; after after death), not contrast in without without Kierkegaard’s Writings, Kierkegaard’s death) or to

Kierkegaard, Nietzsche and Kierkegaard, Dostoevsky. includes of ultimacies, kinds all posit that foundations religious question foundations. This so-called ‘first-wave existentialism’, calling into 28 27 includes Absurd the of notion Kierkegaard’s that fact the on concentrate notion the namely antecedent of such any disposition, the it is concern; later of is Absurd the toward of a disposition legitimacy The of leap faith. the of character self-contradictory the includes This detail. in out it fleshing the disposition, scope of the chapterKierkegaardian this prevents me from thought-provoking and complexity content of staggering spiteIn of the Absurd: the renounces Kierkegaard which in way the deconstructs Camus life. of absurdity the to essential is of lack Whom the God, it to equating Absurd, the deifying by of Absurdism, point of departure very the contradicts resolution. ultimate genus an the in of to belief belongs dogma this say, to Needless torment. infinite or bliss infinite receives one whether determines which Judgment, of definitive a dogma religious the of untenability growing the of development the describes simplified,

Camus, Caruso and Flanagan, “Neuroexistentialism.” certainty he henceforth possesses, the irrational. the possesses, hehenceforth certainty only the deify to and him enlightened hitherto which absurd the to himself blind to led at heis once adherence, of afrantic revolt cry his for he substitutes If negation. his in not be he could judgement, his in point on this right be hemay if But of devoid implication. and sterile him to seems that nostalgia desperate that from himself save to least at hewants irrational, the escape to unable of being Sure absurdity. of feeling the speaking properly constitutes that relationship the not respect He does equilibrium. the not maintain he does absurd, of the nostalgia insurgent the world and of the irrational the Between prescribed the that noted be should it Kierkegaard, to regard With of the Absurd, that is epicentral in the present context. Thus, I Thus, present context. the in epicentral is that Absurd, of the The Myth of Sisyphus of Myth The , 40. 27 This historiography, admittedly historiography, admittedly This

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73 Chapter 2 Chapter The Notion of the Absurd 74 29 of sexual a degree experiences one typically act, the After sort. or another of sex one toward directed erotic inclinations, with confronted sometimes arenewed of to way hunger. feeling are gives beings human Similarly, however, eat, to of before satiation feeling of hours the a matter it only is of how much one Regardless manages resolves. striving one’s gustative momentsIn of hunger, of consumption food, the in and food; one desires dissolve. resolution to which tends in one forms area satiation Physiological renewed in striving. over resulting dissolve to time, tends blissful, and meaningful however resolution, Every resolutions. of transience the idea. same the under subsumed for the rejection of a itself, “Heaven resolution manifests of ultimate dissolution the which in domain on Earth”, to put sole the not does constitute of Heaven’s consciousness itthe untenability poetically, should Heidegger, be ). and Jean-Paul Martin as Sartre (as well Camus critics, many to according includes, which existentialism, of second-wave antagonists primary under the categorized have been institutions Such institutions. other and disciplines scientific ideologies, political organizations, of by commercial redemption promises given the holds for same The complete to way tranquility. completely giving resolved, has one’s which in striving of a state no prospect is there that a lifetime, may, that resolutions during not do, and seldomly occur momentary the of all regardless discovered, it is Thus, existence. of earthly domain the resolution even within no ultimate exists there that realization of the result a as disenchantment may, One similar experience fordogma. example, of a adissolution nor it necessarily is of mankind, history the in necessarily asubsequent matter. as averted is Absurd the to response in of faith imperative of his subject the whereas resolution, of ultimate dissolution the

Caruso and Flanagan, “Neuroexistentialism.” The ‘dissolutionThe of resolution’, denotes on scale, amore mundane not resolution is ultimate an to regard with process dissolving The historical , transcending the feasible lifespan of any person of person any feasible lifespan the , transcending 29 In short, short, In religious religious 30 post-graduation the in lurks despair Existential what?” “Now think: but help one cannot one’s throughout Still, life. meaningful continue be to may and blissful truly be may moment The of graduation progression. cyclical this kept student is with the busy graduation, Until graduation. goal: ultimate this to subsidiary is, subsequent strivings, and previous like which striving, renewed for floor the clears turn in course this of Completion point. focal its as second course the takes which renewed zeal, for place makes soon which of success, feeling asatisfactory experiences Upon completing make up the course, onefirst the academic curriculum. which –courses, goals subsidiary into divided is aim This graduation. aim: fora study, graduate themselves. During one toward eagerly its final strives goals set beings Human projects. of more meaningful domain the in but also satiation. ultimate short, in lack, They by new arousal. new hunger and substituted are and dissolve satiation) tend to gustative and satisfaction (sexual aims respective their that fact the hungerHowever, in resides and of arousal nature absurd the starvation. of accompanies agony that kind the in and frustration sexual in for instance one’s resulting deteriorates condition, of satiation rejection the that fact indisputable it an is striving, sexual and gustative both to Moreover, regard of starvation. feeling with away his take to subject the justifying”. self- as regarded commonly are that life in genus the of to belong “things Nagel’s repeat of to reasoning, line Such activities, time. to time food from satiation. of ultimate prospect the without striving acycle of in physiological stuck we are beings, human as constitution, biological of this Because satiation. of hunger, like of aperiod desire, scene after re-enters the type This of it. end the would be that that think to naïve yet, it quite would be satisfaction;

Nagel, “The Absurd,” 717. Absurd,” “The Nagel, This cycle is visible not only in the domain of physiological satiation, satiation, of physiological domain the not in only visible cycle is This and sex in ourselves indulge we to do not course, reasons lack Of

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Hunger, in its subjective experience, is in itself sufficient for sufficient itself in is experience, Hunger,subjective its in

75 Chapter 2 Chapter The Notion of the Absurd 76 32 31 striving. toward attitude relatively welcoming thereforeand its in of accommodation satisfaction its in yet more optimistic insurmountability, upon emphasis its in ‘dissolutionthe of resolution’ more is pessimistic of philosophy Absurdist the Thus, rivals. Schopenhauerian and Buddhist its than pessimistic less existential of the characterization suggested the however renders also temporary, satisfaction, of attaining possibility the Absurdism; inherent to of idea inescapability the from deviating thereby conundrum, out away offer existential to of seem the ataraxia and nirvana Not do concepts like only spite of similarities. in condition, existential the as of insatiability doctrine or Schopenhauerian Buddhist ultimately insatiable. us we achieve, leaving may that resolutions all by dissolving strivings purposive our through itself manifests Absurd the way, Either love. of demands inexhaustible the for with example, case, the out is as of reach, remains purpose ultimate the alternately, follows graduation; that euphoria withering the for in example ultimate, be to fail then may One’s purposes striving. meaningful without of happiness asense not maintain able to would people most lurking, ennui With adeprivation. constitutes striving hunger, like that, of absence even the paradoxical It hauntingly is projects. so-called void. During

Transmitter of Buddhist Ideas,” 1969. Ideas,” Buddhist of Transmitter as W. Dauer, “Schopenhauer Dorothea cf. 316–21; 14–15, 1997, Schopenhauer,” of Philosophy “The Magee, Bryan cf. 28; 1989, Philosophy,” Schopenhauer’s in World and “Self Janaway, Christopher will.” the of doctrine the of structure essential the in closely mirrored are Buddha’ the of ‘truths three These desires. of extinction the by attained be can salvation that and desires, in originates suffering that suffering, is existence empirical that views the in notably Buddhism: and doctrines Schopenhauerian central the of some between terms, broad in least at correspondence, remarkable a is “There doctrines: these between correspondence the on remarks extensive Janaway’s including two, the between analysis comparative of tradition scholarly the to reference by will insatiable Goodness.” and Justice, Truth, Being, with communion perfect toward aspiration “ideal” the and failure despairing of experience “real” the between rift ever-present “the I justify the somewhat simplified conjunction of Buddhism and Schopenhauer’s doctrine of the the of doctrine Schopenhauer’s and Buddhism of conjunction simplified somewhat the justify I Cf. John Marmysz, Marmysz, John Cf. This notion of the Absurd ought not to be equivocated with the the with equivocated ought not be to notionAbsurd of the This Laughing at Nothing: Humor as a Response to Nihilism to aResponse as Humor Nothing: at Laughing 31 quarter-life crises quarter-life , fresh graduates yearn for new yearn graduates , fresh (SUNY Press, 2012), 156: 156: 2012), Press, (SUNY 32 but but from the philosophy of humor, philosophy the from notably most happy.”Sisyphus imagine must One heart. man’s a fill to enough is heights the toward itself struggle “The concludes essay: his Camus As be. it can happy as as condition is his resolution, and striving between Moving follows. as be should reformulation the being, human ahappy as of Sisyphus imagination senseless. ultimately task renders his which resolution, ultimate without striving same of the repetition eternal the signifies Sisyphus of myth The sense. make does Sisyphus of myth the my In reading, dimension. Sisyphean when it the comesaccounts to discussed preferable previously my the obviously to account most Indeed, is is. of Sisyphus myth of the meaning allegorical the what evident becomes 34 33 its of eradication the of means by resolution for desire the fulfil to aims paradoxically One at hand. problem the resolution of to meaninglessness a as suicide by anticipating Absurd, ofit one renounces the poles of the doing, so In resolution. ultimate an poses illegitimately suicide Absurd, the to approach. response In Camus’ from diverting substantially without lines, same the along answered be option of can the suicide, reader with the resolution. definitive a of absence the and resolution toward strivings indefinite subject’s the between conflict the in is incongruity the Essentially, incongruity? other here? each the is at with Where odds are facts Which existence. of human facts insuperable two relation between incongruous an is chapter, of this Absurd the beginning at the Ihave said As Absurdism. of Humoristic aformulation into conjoin Absurd of the philosophy the of humor and chapter, for next apreparation is the theory the which in

The emphasis on the repetitive dimension of the allegory is also mentioned by Plant: Plant, Plant: by mentioned also is allegory the of dimension repetitive the on emphasis The Camus, “Absurdity, Incongruity and Laughter,” 118–19. Laughter,” and Incongruity “Absurdity, Needless to say, the present application of crucial terminology terminology say, to present of application Needless crucial the it resolution, of dissolution the upon elaboration this Through The andThe first foremost question of The Myth of Sisyphus of Myth The 34 , 111. 33 If we wish to echo Camus in his his in echo Camus to Ifwe wish The Myth of Sisyphus Myth The incongruity incongruity and and , confronting confronting , resolution

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77 Chapter 2 Chapter The Notion of the Absurd 78 37 36 35 but no Absurdists. surely Buddhists, we would probably be such Ifwe resolution. adesire, were of away capable doing with ultimate insurmountable are duality of the poles both irreconcilability, to addition In condition. were there absurd if would life asolution not the absurd to be incongruity; an is Absurd the in manifested former,the incongruity the irreconcilability conclusion”. its to logic absurd this “carrying be should words, Absurdists Camus’ In condition. this constitute elements of each that the including condition, acknowledgement human an absurd of the it must contain legitimate, be to disposition order in for that Absurdist an means this Absurd, the toward adisposition for justifying guideline aprincipal into Generalized Absurd guideline Justificatory 2.5. for a dispositionthetoward Absurd. of the veridicality basic the renouncing thereby resolution, move ultimate asupposed escapist toward an it fabricates that grounds on the suicide, reject ought to existence, of absurd premise the from of death possibility the with confronted who is anyoneand at all reader of the (i.e.source one’s short, In mere being).

Camus, chapter on Humoristic Absurdism. Humoristic on chapter following the of beginning the at repeated is condition”, absurd the of veracity the recognizes Absurdism,” Nagelian to Alternative An Resolution. of Dissolution “The Hamer, Thom Cf. Absurdism. Humoristic to inherent disposition the of target main the remains resolution of dissolution the as Absurd the of conceptualization the Still, conceptions. of aplurality even or conception another hold may humor. of One object the like an to conceptions, all in amounts, Absurd the because Absurd, the of conception another holds one if applicable be also may chapter, following the in I postulate which Absurdism, Humoristic against and for arguments paper, the this of context the within least Although this formulation of the Absurd describes the way in which I understand the Absurd, at at Absurd, the Iunderstand which in way the describes Absurd the of formulation this Although h ipid eiiin f buds, lot atlgcly ecie a “h piooh that philosophy “the as described tautologically almost Absurdism, of definition implied The The Myth of Sisyphus of Myth The 36 Accordingly, it follows that they ought to recognize the the Accordingly,recognize ought to they it follows that . As human beings, we are unable to shed the desire for desire the shed to unable we are beings, human . As as well as the the as well as ataraxists , 34. Unpublished insurmountability , for instance in the form of Pyrrhonists or or of form Pyrrhonists the in , for instance 37 Likewise, the other sideother pole, of the the Likewise, , 2019. , 2019. incongruity of the Absurd. Regarding Regarding Absurd. of the The Myth of Sisyphus Myth The between norm and reality, reality, and norm between 35

irreconcilable ,

39 38 absurd.” of the commandments the to resolution. ultimate of absence an ineradicable the well as resolution as for ultimate desire inescapable of the recognition astark contain it should Absurd; the of constitutive poles of either of or to the opposition adenial to amount it not should legitimate, be to is disposition Absurdist Hence, an if Absurd. the to inherent incongruity the to opposition in acongruity postulating thus Afterlife, the or life in outcome this in the ofresolution reality, and for desire our between reconciliation final a anticipate would we for nor Absurdists, resolution –we neither ataraxists would be – ultimate aforementioned of the desire object the of capable attaining ourselves If we deemed ineradicable. equally resolution, is ultimate of absence an the

Cf. Camus and O’Brien, O’Brien, and Camus Cf. the absurd and devaluates the attitude that may then be proposed.” be then may that attitude the devaluates and absurd the ruins divorce) overthrows which consent with, begin to (and, requirements these exercises away, or conjures destroys, that Everything unrest). to immature not must be compared (which dissatisfaction aconscious and renunciation), with confused be not must (which rejection acontinual despair), with do to nothing has (which hope of absence atotal implies struggle that that admit Imust conclusion, Camus, 37. 38 We ought to make sure, in short, that one “remains faithful faithful one “remains that We short, in sure, make ought to The Myth of Sisyphus of Myth The , 34–35: “And carrying this absurd logic to its to logic absurd this carrying “And , 34–35: 39

79 Chapter 2 Chapter

83 Chapter 3

Humoristic Absurdism

Fountain Marcel Duchamp (1917), (1917), Duchamp Marcel Humoritic Adsurdism 84 1 Absurd. the toward disposition Absurdism is defended asalegitimate and scholarly works. In Humoristic 3.3, Humoristic Absurdism literary artistic, in highlights afew expressions cultural of and its historical context, section 3.2 For the sake of illustration of theory this situations, asacomical phenomenon. as well asits manifestation absurd in condition, absurd the regard which humorous disposition) to the Absurd, pattern of humorous responses (i.e., a HumoristicAbsurdism is the commitment to a 3.1, in it define I As (HA). Humoristic this Absurd. Icall Absurdism of ahumoristic disposition toward the chapterThis is devoted to the basic idea through the endorsement of Humoristic Absurdism. Humoristic of endorsement the through absurdity of side comical the seeing of legitimacy the on focuses paper this but comic, than rather tragic, as perceived be still may life of absurdity the Indeed, Absurd. the toward dispositions other As a defense of Humoristic Absurdism Absurdism Humoristic of adefense As in its own right own its in , this chapter does not attempt to disparage disparage to attempt not does chapter , this 1

formulation of a formulation the is here focus primary our while superficial, transitory, momentary, something with concerned we are that suggests ‘feeling’ term the Indeed, afeeling.” speaking, strictly not, is absurd of the feeling “the that explains feeling’, ‘absurd Pölzler this Regarding Absurd. the with for dealing astrategy constitute may This Absurd. the experience we which can in that we have fleshed outthe chapter, Absurd.” Now of the previous the “feeling in the and explicated Absurd”, “notion of the the between Camus, Albert from borrowed adistinction, Pölzler draws Thomas Absurd, the toward disposition mere beyond condition recognition. its absurd face of this the in advocated is that disposition includes aparticular then conclusion”. its to logic absurd this “carrying says, Camus –as Absurd of the veracity the to true stay to wish chapter. previous such, Absurdists the in As expounded sense the absurd, is condition human the that recognizes that theory ‘Absurdism’‘Postmodern’), philosophical refers the to ‘Romantic’, ‘Tragic’, ‘Humoristic’, (e.g., adjective an of prefix the Without of humorism. any regardless Absurdism, and Absurd the between is relation the what repeat to important it is Absurdism, of Humoristic dimension Before humoristic elucidation of we upon the an embark is Humoristic What 3.1. Absurdism? 3 2 Camus, committed. be justifiably can we which to Absurd, the to responses affective of pattern to.” rise give to tends mood a it, 2018): 477–90, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10790-018-9633-1. Thomas Pölzler, “Camus’ Feeling of the Absurd,” Absurd,” the of Feeling “Camus’ Pölzler, Thomas mood In line with this distinction between the recognition of and the the of and recognition the between distinction this with line In The Myth of Sisyphus of Myth The : “It is rather a conjunction of a mood and of emotions that this this of emotions and that of amood : “It aconjunction rather is disposition , 34. 3 Thus, this chapter Thus, this is concerned a with specific , in its structural meaning, or, meaning, Pölzler calls as structural its , in notion 2 The prefix, in this chapter ‘Humoristic’, chapter this in prefix, The , it is time to elucidate a possible way way elucidate apossible to time , it is The Journal of Value Inquiry Value of Journal The inescapably 52, no. 4 (December 1, 1, 4(December no. 52,

absurd, in in absurd,

85 Chapter 3 Chapter Humoritic Adsurdism 86 Camus, 5 Camus, 4 moments for approach life’s “gives in of an us struggles”, refreshment it also occasional “a with of simply us provide doesn’t humour sense that remark striking Morreall’s John in resonance finds absurdity abstract of that and humorous of concrete enjoyment manifestations the into Absurdism of Humoristic division This of condition existence. absurd by this diverted ourselves find may we resolution, of dissolution endless the Contemplating to top. the it push to to laughing of Sisyphus Myth The to Returning retirement. his of week first very the in work to return to longed for desire retirement he feels for astrong his decades, having after when, consider not may it rosy. fact so funny in old man an was Similarly, job she what her considered be dream to whenlaughter that she discovers humorous someone respond with may of such example a manifestation, an As comical. as Absurd of the manifestations views Absurdism Humoristic First, abstract. the concrete and the dimensions: two It has Absurd? Absurd. the constitutes that incongruity the toward disposition humoristic of the possibility up the opens This of incongruity. appearance comical haveseen, we as includes, list this Significantly, endless. virtually is incongruity to responses of affective list The Absurdism. or Fantastic Melancholistic such Revulsionistic, as responses, fantastic. or bizarre horrible, macabre, grotesque, as present may itself Incongruity horror, sadness, or anger fear. indignation, of disgust, experience by the met be may incongruity encounter with The face of incongruity. the in in the first chapter,Theory there a of exists possiblemultiplicity responses Morreall, “Philosophy of Humor.” of “Philosophy Morreall, abstract Second, Humoristic Absurdism includes the humorous includes response the Absurdism Humoristic Second, Incongruity of the discussion the in implicit been already has As What does it mean to take a humorous disposition toward the the toward ahumorous disposition take to it mean does What , at the sight of the rock rolling down after his zealous endeavor zealous his after down rolling rock of sight , at the the The Myth of Sisyphus of Myth The absurdity, i.e. regarding the Absurd in itself as comical. comical. as itself in Absurd the absurdity, i.e. regarding 4 Accordingly, one may come up with associated systems of systems associated Accordingly, one come may up with 5 These are are These , we should imagine Sisyphus not just “happy”, not just but Sisyphus , we imagine should , 111. concrete considered risible. considered absurdities amusement , through the the , through 7 6 humorous be may tendencies similar and Constantius; Constantine ironist: an considered often is instance, for pseudonyms, Kierkegaard’s “irony, style: parody,[and] satire humor” literary ofKierkegaard’s key features the to belongs what summates adequately McDonald William Absurdism. endorse Humoristic to itwhat means visualize to helps exemplification brief this function, peripheral its Despite Absurdism. of issue: to the the Humoristic central justification peripheral of space the forlimited available a ofkind exemplificationthatis relatively because examples, of the complexity nuanced of the short falling inevitably of Absurdism, type of this over precursors amere the glance no more than be can of examples summation Unfortunately, this of concrete anomalies. regardless Absurd, the toward adisposition as principle humoristic their in lies instances these of significance the Therefore, principle. Absurdist or humoristic the from deviations exist for always may there Absurdism, of Humoristic ideal-type the to not need neatly conform Absurdism of expressions of Humoristic examples these course, Of Absurdism? Humoristic cultural or literary philosophical, specific are What Cultural expressions3.2. of Humoristic Absurdism phenomenon. acomical as situations, absurd in manifestation its well as as condition, absurd the regards which of humorous Absurd, responses) the to a pattern is, (that ahumorous to disposition commitment the in consists Absurdism Absurdism. of Humoristic cornerstone awhole.” as life to edu/archives/win2017/entries/kierkegaard/. https://plato.stanford. 2017), University, Stanford Lab, Research (Metaphysics 2017 Winter Zalta, William McDonald, “Søren Kierkegaard,” in Kierkegaard,” “Søren McDonald, William Morreall, John An early precursor of Humoristic Absurdism is Søren Kierkegaard. Kierkegaard. Søren is Absurdism Humoristic of precursor early An Humoristic definition: a postulate can we mind, in insights these With Taking Laughter Seriously 6 This humorous approach awhole the as is life to This (SUNY Press, 1983), 121. 1983), Press, (SUNY The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy of Encyclopedia Stanford The , ed. Edward N. , Edward ed.

7 One of One

87 Chapter 3 Chapter Humoritic Adsurdism 88 8 comical: as Absurd the experience legitimately we can that by Nagel’s disappointment”,and argues approach, Plant inspired Bob aspiration human between tension ‘absurd’ the to response appropriate conceptunder the of humor. defense his of In “an humorous as laughter subsumed be professed irony can the that Absurd, the toward disposition Nagelian of the reconstruction Plant’s Bob to according especially case, the phenomenon. be to it seems Indeed, acomical as conceives Absurd the Absurdist Nagelian the Absurd, of the experience ironic the in Thus, 10 9 all: it of absurdity at laughter the of ironic profess, but may philosophy akind Camus’ what to of “dramatics”, or some kind contrary experience for atragic not call does Absurd the mind, his In disposition. ironic an world of in life history”. humorous most view the is Christianity humor, cultivate to and likely of is he life says, view areligious with person “The philosophy: his to but also of writing, style his notinherent to only disposition humoristic of the humor,philosophy repeats John Morreall pseudonyms. other to assigned

in : Shaftesbury, Hamann, Kierkegaard Hamann, Shaftesbury, Philosophy: Modern in Amir, B. Lydia Way Salvation”; to the on Me to Happened Thing “A Funny Anthology An Kierkegaard: of Humor John Lippitt, Lippitt, John Morreall, “Philosophy of Humor.” of “Philosophy Morreall, Nagel, “The Absurd,” 727. Absurd,” “The Nagel, irony instead of heroism or despair. of heroism instead irony with lives absurd our either, approach we can matter and doesn’t that aeternitatis If situation. of the unimportance cosmic the appreciate to afailure betray private, on in carried if even dramatics, Such proud. or brave feel to us allows that fate of contempt defiant a evoke it it so. Nor need we make for agony unless amatter notIt be need prescribes Nagel Thomas 2.3, in defined as Absurd the to response In Humour and Irony in Kierkegaard’s Thought Kierkegaard’s in Irony and Humour there is no reason to believe that anything matters, then then matters, anything that believe to noreason is there , ed. Thomas C. Oden (Princeton University Press, 2004); Lippitt, Lippitt, 2004); Press, University (Princeton Oden C. Thomas , ed. 8 In his overview of the history of the history of the overview his In 10 (Springer, 2000); Søren Kierkegaard, Kierkegaard, Søren 2000); (Springer, (SUNY Press, 2014). Press, (SUNY Humor and the Good Life Life Good the and Humor sub specie specie sub 9 The The 13 12 11 of both enjoyment humorous the to commitment a as Absurdism Humoristic of definition frivolous?” risible, fundamentally everything isn’t sense, Borch-Jacobson makes paragraph. “If nothing repeats: every almost in argument, his throughout echoed is existence of absurd risibility The Woody filmography: Allen’s upon reflects he when (1987), Being’ of Laughter Borch-Jacobson’s‘The found Mikkel is in Absurdism of Humoristic example scholarly Another

org/10.2307/2905788. Plant, “Absurdity, Incongruity and Laughter,” 133. Laughter,” and Incongruity “Absurdity, Plant, Borch-Jacobsen, 738. Mikkel Borch-Jacobsen, “The Laughter of Being,” MLN 102, no. 4 (1987): 738, https://doi. 738, 4(1987): no. 102, MLN Being,” of Laughter “The Borch-Jacobsen, Mikkel of an improbable grace period, make fun of this shabby finitude[.] shabby of this fun make period, grace improbable of an time for the just we could, if as self, precious our above ourselves raise we could if […]properly, above. as words, from other in act, Let’s or, more without, from ourselves observing by them, relativize to learn at least let’s , and escape we cannot Since at it[?] why not laugh universe, of the immensity the in lost gag improbable an farce, unspeakable an more than nothing is my existence [I]f response. for ahumorous more cause even is failure, our by disappointed be to continue yet also and expectations, explanatory such have to we continue provoke that to laughter.enough Indeed, is this and nothing’, to ‘reduced constantly are that ‘expectations’ nothing to reduced suddenly being expectation astrained from arising affection ‘ that formulation Kant’s or revolt. Recalling bemoaning existential than rather laughter comic with met be legitimately can irresistible both are matter?’ life ‘Does and of life?’ meaning the is ‘What such as questions that fact the then, perspective latter of view. this point From disinterested amore objective, from can predicament this We not forget that should ’, we might therefore say that we here have explanatory we explanatory have here ’, that say therefore we might concrete absurdities and and absurdities abstract absurdity, he argues absurdity, he argues itself Laughter is an an is Laughter 13 be viewed viewed be In line with the the with line In and 11 futile futile

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89 Chapter 3 Chapter Humoritic Adsurdism 90 14 Executions and of Eugène Ionesco;cartoons and Kundera the Milan ofworks found the be in may disposition humoristic of the expressions Additional examples. further paper prevent of providing this me from limitations but the discerned, be may Absurdism of Humoristic instances Other disposition: a more humoristic suggests Marmysz absurdity? this situation.” with How we should this deal done change be to can that (3) not and be; itis should as nothing is there situation (2) this perfections; absolute most highest, the from alienated are “(1) humans facts: three of conjunction the as defines he which condition, absurd the to response defends in humorism John Marmysz which in in given been has them”). relativize to learn at least (“let’s of concrete absurdities risibility the for hand other the on and finitude”) shabby this of fun “make and it?” at such as (e.g., of existence not “why laugh for risibility oneon the hand the Marmysz, South Park world, laughs at him or herself as a part of that world. of that apart as or herself at him laughs world, at the laughing in humorist, the and smaller, become of life dangers humor, With the reality. this by or crushed dominated be to refuses However it failure. and despair of suffering, full is life human that deny not to is To attitude ahumorous adopt amusement. wondrous for occasion an also it is Rather, perhaps real. made never be will that pipe-dreams mere are ideals highest our that understand to sadness for occasion an not only it is perhaps But for perfection. strive yet to imperfect, be to beings of human nature very the in it is and situation, our done about be to nothing is there then correct, is nihilist the If comprehensive most Perhaps the Absurdism defense of Humoristic Laughing at Nothing at Laughing ; or the bulk of Dadaist art (such Duchamp’s as art of Dadaist bulk ; or the ; ’ Jeff ; Laughing at Nothing: Humor as a Response to Nihilism to aResponse as Humor Nothing: at Laughing , 165. Ushering in Banality in Ushering ; Yue Minjun’s painting ; Yue painting Minjun’s 14 Fountain Family Guy Family Guy ).

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91 Chapter 3 Chapter Humoritic Adsurdism 92 16 15 Regarding humor. with associated benefits of range wide a established health. one’s to beneficial rarely is gravity, emotional on emphasis this to linked be may Absurd. of the gravity emotional the emphasize that of other or theories suicide to contemplation the through catharsis of theory Cioran’s Emil to example, for compared, mechanism, coping amore out be effective to evenmay turn such relief, humorism Through of incongruity. dimension indispensable its to thanks Absurd, of the veracity the renouncing without apparently such provide mechanism, may acoping Humor, effects, relieving its in control.) have no total capacities over cognitive our which a physiology with bodies, still we are all, (After for mechanisms. search coping better we suicide, had is, that of death, possibility the endorse to not wish such humor of relief. humor provides holds that Ifwe do Relief Theory the disappointment; this from resulting stress and anxiety frustration, of experience for the we relief from search may Absurd, of the nature disappointing the given Second, Absurdism. of Humoristic legitimacy the into inquiry further legitimizing thus Absurd, the toward disposition not conclusively, humorous though of the favorspeaks, in possibility of the one conditionsdivorce, ofThis forthefulfils necessary incongruity. humor: a as Absurd, encounter of the the First, Absurdism. for Humoristic reasons facie prima the Isummate paragraph, humor? this In with respond Why Defense3.3. of Humoristic Absurdism

400–424; K. Lira Yoon and Jutta Joormann, “Is Timing Everything? Sequential Effects of Rumination Rumination of Effects Sequential Solving,” Problem Interpersonal on Everything? Distraction and Timing “Is Joormann, Jutta and Yoon Lira K. 400–424; Rumination,” “Rethinking Lyubomirsky, Sonja Research and Therapy Cognitive Analysis,” APsychometric Reconsidered: “Rumination Nolen-Hoeksema, Susan and Psychology Social and Personality of Journal Rumination.,” Dysphoric of Properties “Self-Perpetuating Nolen-Hoeksema, Susan and Lyubomirsky 1, 2012): 165–72, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10608-010-9330-2. 165–72, 2012): 1, E. M. Cioran, Cioran, M. E. Sonja Lyubomirsky and Chris Tkach, Tkach, Chris and Lyubomirsky Sonja 15 In support of this, research has shown that rumination, which which rumination, that shown has research of this, support In The New New The 16 Third, both psychological and sociological research have research sociological and psychological both Third, (University of Chicago Press, 2013), 49–68. 2013), Press, Chicago of (University 27, no. 3 (2003): 247–259; Susan Nolen-Hoeksema, Blair E. Wisco, and and Wisco, E. Blair Nolen-Hoeksema, Susan 247–259; (2003): 3 no. 27, The Consequences of Dysphoric Rumination 65, no. 2 (1993): 339; Wendy Treynor, Richard Gonzalez, Richard Treynor, Wendy 339; 2(1993): no. 65, Perspectives on Psychological Science Cognitive Therapy and Research and Therapy Cognitive 3, no. 5 (2008): 5(2008): no. 3, 36, no. 3 (June 3(June no. 36, , 2008; Sonja , 2008;

21 20 19 18 17 condition human of the absurdity “explore the to how response acomedic to (2009), purports which paper Laughter’ ‘Absurdity, and Incongruity, recent fairly his in Plant for by Bob example Absurd, the toward disposition of history, this there to have attempts sketchbeen significant a humoristic philosophy. academic in also but territory, popular not explored in only being increasingly is disposition humorous the shows that This investigation. of philosophical domain significant a become has humor decades, of couple last the throughout history. ideological recent of our part is live or which we still under which may of postmodernity, legacy the in rooted is Absurdism Humoristic postmodernity, to crucial is specifically more and humoristic, the With background. ahistorical has Absurdism of Humoristic possibility the into inquiry this Fourth, significant. and numerous remain disposition, of humor, therefore and opportunities of ahumoristic sociological and but psychological the or ambivalent, obscure remains deal a great benefits that one may experience as a result of social cohesion. social of result a as experience may one that benefits benefits health in other and friendship result of belonging, such feelings as for individual, the turn in may humor of effect cohesive the tension. interpersonal of reduction include cohesion and effects of well-being. feelings positive Sociological of humor, experience enhance not counter but negativity, may only also accompany the typically which relief, of mirth, feelings pain to addition pain.” countering in good it provoke is to and is thought, functions major its of “One summarizes: Amir Lydia benefits, psychological the Amir, Amir,

Amir, 237–40. Amir, Sheldon Cohen and Thomas A. Wills, “Stress, Social Support, and the Buffering Hypothesis.,” Buffering the and Support, Social “Stress, Wills, A. Thomas and Cohen Sheldon and Literature,” Literature,” and “ Lewis, Barry 53–70, https://doi.org/10.1515/HUMOR.2006.003; 1 (2006): no. 19, Bulletin Psychological Gillian Pye, “Comedy Theory and the Postmodern,” Postmodern,” the and Theory “Comedy Pye, Gillian Morreall, “Philosophy of Humor.” “Philosophy Morreall, Humor and the Good Life in Modern Philosophy Modern in Life Good the and Humor The Routledge Companion to Postmodernism. London: Routledge London: Postmodernism. to Companion Routledge The 98, no. 2 (1985): 310. 2(1985): no. 98, 20 Fifth, as the philosophy of humor has grown grown of humor philosophy has the as Fifth, 21 Sixth and finally, Sixth atthe most recent end 18 Through the reduction of conflict, conflict, of reduction the Through ironic Humor – International Journal of Humor Research Humor of Journal –International Humor , 237. , , disposition toward life that that life toward , disposition , 2001. 19 Still, Still, 17 In In

93 Chapter 3 Chapter Humoritic Adsurdism 94 23 22 striving. committed involved in prudency of the terms in only if imperative, a resolution is such that we it experience follows resolves, that striving our suchbe that reality that such demanding aresolution, demanding from Thus, striving. need fundamental and but a strong notis desires, merely one many among appeal of this normativity the into inquiry additional incongruity, absurd the and humorous incongruity the between parallel avalid of establishing sake Absurd. of the structure the to correspond that concrete absurdities the and Absurd’ ‘the as known is that abstraction the both applicable to is experience, before, this stated As amusing. as apprehended, be experienced may is resolutionthat any in of ultimacy so-called of the contradiction the that means this Absurd, the with confrontation the to Applied of anorm. contradiction of the experience amusing the concluded in it humor was There, consists that 1. Chapter in attention of humor, extensive given theory been working has the which recall to adequately, order In this needed. formulate we is to need Absurdism plentiful. are reasons the Absurdism, Humoristic of manner. justification facie all-encompassing To conclude prima onthe amore in direction upon this expand to purports my presentand project justified.” be might

Plant, “Absurdity, Incongruity and Laughter,” 123. Laughter,” and Incongruity “Absurdity, Plant, edu/archives/spr2019/entries/kant-moral/. https://plato.stanford. 2019), University, Stanford Lab, Research (Metaphysics 2019 Spring Zalta, N. in Philosophy,” Moral “Kant’s Cureton, Adam and Johnson Robert cf. resolution; toward striving inevitably are if resolution, provides that reality prudency the of means by but claim, amoral of means by not goal, willed one’s to means the will to ought I owe this inference to the Kantian notion of the “hypothetical imperative”, prescribing that one one that prescribing imperative”, “hypothetical the of notion Kantian the to inference this owe I . We cannot help but strive in the anticipation of a resolution to this of this aresolution anticipation to the . We in help but strive cannot How is this How this is Now, of amore Humoristic comprehensive conceptualization

is paramount. As has been argued in Chapter 2, the the 2, Chapter in argued been has As paramount. is that is inherent to rational agency. It is by virtue of such prudency that we ought to will a a will to ought we that prudency such of virtue by It is agency. rational to inherent is that appel humain appel appel humain appel 22 23 These attempts have not been too comprehensive, have too not been attempts These Put differently, if we are committed to our purposes purposes our to differently, committed we Put if are , i.e. the desire for desire absence, i.e. the resolution, by the a The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy of Encyclopedia Stanford The norm in the relevant sense? relevant the Forin the appel humain humain appel , ed. Edward resolutionary dimension of humor. of dimension resolutionary the around debate scholarly the is question this to Essential humor? disciples of Humoristic Absurdism. perceived humorous is of what resolution as is by the dissolution of the experience the in norm the of contradiction the Thus, 1.4. in defined as notion of a‘norm’, narrow the to conforms ‘ought’ for This desire resolution. striving for words, other In value us. have normative purposes these then at all, 25 24 for desire the with never is completely Likewise, resolved. incongruity the that Therefore, Iargue object. we would obviously institution, an of in people we not should majority put that the she believes because abolished be should marriage that way asimilar in argued If a politician illegitimate. it is incongruity, the aresolution to is there that extent the to word of the ‘institution’, but ambiguity includes the that schema conceptual by reference some to explainable be may incongruity To the sure, be theory: resolutionary the employed of advocates by the core strategy the illustrate to supposed is which by John Morreall, illustration following Consider the degree. fullest the no resolution is to humorous, there be to orderin for incongruity the However, of needed resolution is adegree Absurdism. that even true it is if of criterion basic the violate to is Absurd up the makes that incongruity

See Chapter 1 for more on the resolutionary dimension of humor. of dimension resolutionary the on more 1for Chapter See Morreall, “Philosophy of Humor.” “Philosophy Morreall, How is the lack of an ultimate resolution adequately mirrored in in mirrored resolution adequately ultimate of lack How an the is figuring out that the word has two meanings. has the word that out figuring in is pleasure the and shift, a moment that follow to but it takes incongruity, the is of “institution” meanings in shift the institution,” for an not ready but I’m institution, agreat is “Marriage West said, Mae for instance, When, of sense. a kind it makes that so part first the reinterprets hearer the then but confusing, momentarily is line punch the which in jokes typically are cited examples The ought to be resolved from the perspective of the fundamental fundamental of the perspective the resolved from be to 24 For, the aresolution to imagine to

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95 Chapter 3 Chapter Humoritic Adsurdism 96 criterion, further objections may present themselves – and they will, will, they present –and may themselves objections further criterion, Absurdist basic of this satisfaction Beyond the nature. incongruous and dual its in absurd of the recognition demands which criterion resolution. never ultimate is there an that grants Absurdism phenomenon the incompleteness of in resolutions of humor, Humoristic the given Fourth, unconscious. the from pried vented potentially and for desire both resolution is the Third, of anorm. contradiction the as of humor. incongruity experience absurd the the it acknowledges Second, in of incongruity recognition the through Absurd of the nature incongruous upholds the Absurdism Humoristic of inconsistency. on First, pain this, toward one takes that disposition the in absurd) fundamentally is life point (the acknowledgement that one’s to starting true remain to needs one that say to is That at all. of aform absurdism be it to is if Absurd of the arecognition contain to needs Absurd the toward a disposition concluded it was There, chapter? that end at previous of the down the Absurd. of the one constituents of the toward a lucid of recognition sense for manifesting resolution, thereby of the discharge and awareness both furthers therefore comical as Absurd the Viewing for ventilation. its providing also while conscious, desire this repression, humor helps make from to Consequently, repression. one desire or their another by releasing lifting by desires specific vent to one enables Moreover,humor unconscious. adesire making toward (Chapter 1), directed inherently repression is of humor theory Freudian modest the we in have seen As repression. the by emancipating desire, this expresses and for desire resolution one’s frustrated of the awareness furthers Absurdism resolution. ultimate of absence an the humor acknowledges actualized, resolution never fully In conclusion, Humoristic Absurdism lives up to the Absurdist Absurdist up the lives to Absurdism conclusion,In Humoristic laid standard meet the Absurdism brief,In Humoristic how does Humoristic of use, is any Relief more, Theory is the if What appel humain appel appel humain humain appel , the desire desire the , from from

Humoristic Absurdism. chapter, against next the in devoted objections four is to notable which

97 Chapter 3 Chapter

101 Chapter 4

Objections against the humoristic toward disposition Absurd the

Laughing Fool Laughing Jacob Cornelisz. van Oostsanen (c. 1500), 1500), (c. Oostsanen van Cornelisz. Jacob Objections against the humoristic disposition toward the Absurd 102 1 humorism. full-blooded a while, but, ultimately, reject they still reason to not enjoy ajoke every once in opponents of humorism may see no many Indeed, enjoyment. humorous behavioral pattern that is disposed to humorism humor of the objections is that it does not attack objections. is not the most charitable reading of the humor often been asframed objections against Notably, while these objections have objection against Humoristic Absurdism. toward the Absurd, and present my own apply them to humorism asadisposition objections against humorism general, in chapter,In this Idiscuss the force of three Morreall, “The Rejection of Humor in Western Thought.” Western in Humor of Rejection “The Morreall, , asamomentary phenomenon, but , for example by John Morreall, this , which all-encompassing is an 1 The stronger version of each

4 3 Aristotle, 2 Plato, some conception from arising “suddenhumorous glory expresses laughter him, to According Objection. well-developed Superiority of the exposition arelatively formulated Hobbes Thomas until attempts, more extensive for for more wait to two millennia had Humanity superiority. and derision associated of the light humor in comprehensive evaluate to attempts hierarchy. societal the to regard proper reverence with lacking of such thus humorous derision, object the consequently, and, humorist humiliate the to exalt to tendency its given harmony social reference reverence: to humor destabilize may jokes.” have should forbidden of they –perhaps some of kinds mockery kinds forbid of mockery, some lawgivers akind and “is says, Aristotle A joke, of humor. nature derisive the to relation in measure apolitical proposed soul”. the in “pain a inflicts laughter humorous to inherent derision the that works of Plato, who observed nature. disappointing fundamentally its in over reality superiority assumes one that Objection, applied version Superiority of the this to according reality but a norm, violates which notit is a person Absurdism of Humoristic refers a to oftentimes of ridicule’ ‘object the While of ridicule. overone object assumed the that position superior due the to inappropriate cohesion or otherwise social to counterproductive vicious, unethical, as humorism It rejects Theory, one of of theories the humorthree introduced in the chapter.first Superiority upon the based is humorism against Objection Superiority The Objection Superiority The 4.1. Cf. Yue, Yue, Cf. These instances of the Superiority Objection can hardly be called called be hardly can Objection Superiority of the instances These found the be in can Objection Superiority of the example early An 3 , by failing to meet our demand for resolution. It is in this sense, sense, for demand meet our to It resolution. this in is , by failing From a Confucian tradition, a similar objection can be made with with made be can objection asimilar tradition, From aConfucian Philebus Humor and Chinese Culture Chinese and Humor Nicomachean Ethics Nicomachean , 48–50; Reeve, “Plato,” V.452. “Plato,” Reeve, , 48–50; person 4 (Oxford University Press, 2009), 4.8. 2009), Press, University (Oxford ; Xu, “The Confucian Politics of Appearance.” of Politics Confucian “The ; Xu, who violates a norm, in the present context the in a norm, who violates

2 In similar opposition, Aristotle even Aristotle opposition, similar In

103 Chapter 4 Chapter Objections against the humoristic disposition toward the Absurd 104 Hobbes, 5 Hobbes, fellows. admirable but people, with inferior with one not should compare oneself fullest, the to one’s potential actualize order In to right. own their in merits and one’s to capabilities regard own excellence with than rather others, in defects the relative to for superiority improve settles and oneself oneself. one Indeed, cowardly actualize fully to desire the to room sufficient give to fails therefore and people other of inferiority upon the emphasis an at people contains laughing pusillanimity: objection it would not an be otherwise, condition; this to relating expressions the and condition human the regarding amere observation moreit is than But game. competitive this in winning with associated feeling glorious of the expression an thus is of one’s superiority own by instances diverted be to tendency The egotism. and competitiveness of natural anthropology on an based struggle, constant as condition human of the of view Hobbes’ context the in analysis this see to importance It of is vital of suchfeeling sudden glory: of the formerly.” nature own our with pusillanimous on the He elaborates or others, infirmity the with comparison ourselves, in eminency some of the most able. most the with only themselves compare to and scorn; from others free and help to is, works proper one of the minds, For of great pusillanimity. of asign is of others, defects at the much laughter therefore And men. of other imperfections the favor observing by own their in themselves keep forced to are who themselves; in abilities fewest the of conscious are that them, to most incident it is And themselves. applaud suddenly they whereof another, in comparison by thing deformed of some apprehension the or by them; pleases that own, of their act sudden some by either caused is and laughter; called grimaces those makes which passion the is glory, Sudden . The crux of the Hobbesian critique of humor is the ascription of ascription of humor the is critique Hobbesian of the crux . The Leviathan , Part I, chap. 6. chap. I, , Part 5 7 6 incongruity. an constitutes violation such chapter, first the in seen have we As norm. the of violation another or upon one based is self-exaltation our Thus, (i.e., her underperformance). norm of the negative violation of another’s or because overperformance) (i.e., norm of ourthe violation positive it either is due own our to ourselves, in of some eminency point of because view. we laugh When former’s the from explainable perfectly are of superiority feelings Indeed, Objection. Superiority order in endorse the to Theory Superiority of the shudder. Aristotelian agood make to enough is self-exaltation, from of resulting vanity, predicate the ethics, of source risibility. of the part as assumed already is that object comical of the position inferior supposedly the considering other,the especially upon inflicted harm the outweighs really exaltation self- humoristic whether dubitable at it is least –and harm serious does other comical of the inferiorization the that argued be it may stance, one’s elevate to ofa mere self-worth. sense means as person of another instrumentalization the or as worth, fundamental being’s human a of violation a as seen be may view,this of point Kantian self-perception. in and eyes of others the in From a both people’s worth, undermine tend to jokes which in way the point to verdict can latter the pleading orit not is even mere scholars cruelty. Indeed, but vanity, malice we assign should of humorists, interpretation charitable most the In of vices. avariety to tied superior, as is subject humorism diverted the and inferior as object comical the conceiving worth, of relation assigned asymmetrical an to connected

University Press, 2017). Press, University end.” an as time same the at always but end, an to ameans as merely never other, any of person the in or person own your in whether humanity, treat Katarzyna de Lazari-Radek and Peter Singer, Singer, Peter and Lazari-Radek de Katarzyna Kant Immanuel, “Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals,” 1785, 4:429: “Act you 4:429: a in such 1785, that way of Morals,” of Metaphysics the “Groundwork Immanuel, Kant One need not let go of the Incongruity Theory of favor humor in Theory not need One let go Incongruity of the humor inextricably is As this. is Objection core Superiority ofThe the vanity to the humorist; from the most critical standpoint, standpoint, critical most the from humorist; the to : A Very Short Introduction Short AVery Utilitarianism: 7 With regard to virtue virtue to regard With 6 From an utilitarian

(Oxford (Oxford

105 Chapter 4 Chapter Objections against the humoristic disposition toward the Absurd 106 8 as Absurd the toward disposition humoristic the portrays Absurdism Humoristic against Objection Superiority level, the interpersonal an on for risks warning than Rather one’s Absurd. to the does to relation Objection, Superiority of the standpoint critical the from Absurdism, Humoristic what know to Iwish indirect; too is but this Absurdism, and humorism both with associated sometimes is that indifference general the humor upon or perhaps of aggressive effects social detrimental upon the HA’s emphasizing construed be could present of violator. the nature argument Perhaps an impersonal for being its Absurd face of the the in humorism rejecting course, a problem Of Absurdism? for Humoristic of superiority How predicate the is Absurd. the toward a disposition as humorism to application its to of humor philosophy turn let se, per us the superiority. one of which assumes agroup, by virtue adherence to individual’s or an of agroup inferiority the emphasize attempt to an is punchline sexist consequences. hurtful its and nature derisive its to due relationships, social to detrimental found be been to humor has of type humor”, maladaptive “aggressive this called on is what studies In inferiority. other’s the relative to of superiority assumption an and dimension have ahostile how humor can demonstrating thus personally, and structurally both harmful, clearly is upon suchpremised stereotypes Humor woman!” kitchen, the back to “Go questioned: being was authority when awoman’s intellectual for lives, instance their in oneat time least punchline the people must have heard Many effective. most be to appears Well-Being: Development of the Humor Styles Questionnaire,” Questionnaire,” Styles Humor the of Development Well-Being: A Repeated-Measures Design,” HUMOR 27 (May 1, 2014), https://doi.org/10.1515/humor-2014-0015. 2014), 1, (May 27 HUMOR Design,” A Repeated-Measures Couples: Dating in Satisfaction Relationship and Styles Humor “Relationship-Focused Martin, Rod and Caird Sara https://doi.org/10.1016/S0092-6566(02)00534-2; 48–75, 2003): 37, 1(February no. Rod A. Martin et al., “Individual Differences in Uses of Humor and Their Relation to Psychological Psychological to Relation Their and Humor of Uses in Differences “Individual al., et Martin A. Rod With regard to sexist and racist jokes, the Superiority Objection Objection Superiority the jokes, racist and sexist to regard With Now that we have a basic sense of the Superiority Objection raised in in raised Objection Superiority we ofNow the sense have abasic that counterproductivity to social cohesion to social counterproductivity unethical makes no sense, given the the given no sense, makes Journal of Research in Personality in Research of Journal 8 In conclusion, the the conclusion, In , based , based

9 aproper be would itself of Thermodynamics Law Third the orrock to a to superior oneself deeming all, After inanimate. is humorism this in of ridicule object the that given especially reality, absurd above the itself places truly Absurdism Humoristic whether questionable be it may result, a As by this. implied is eminency conceptionof any whether own of our regardless puns, to victim fall do to seem semantics ordinary and syntax grammar, Still, farfetched. quite would be structures syntactical over these of one’s admit superiority necessarily puns but contend to that syntax, such as entities of inanimate realm the toward extended be may feeling superior this for cows and hedgehogs, dogs and relation to in example, of beings, hierarchy the in superior consider themselves beings human many Admittedly, evoke do puns of superiority? asense we ask: may of superiority. assumption same the prescribe to seems Camus of Sisyphus, image the to disposition ideal the Modelling existence. of human absurdity the to referent condition, human the in its toward allegory of the by extrapolation thus, condemnation and of his rock.” his He stronger than is and gradually sinks towards the lairs of the gods, he is he is gods, of the lairs the towards sinks gradually and of Sisyphus Myth in of Sisyphus superiority the even praises of father Absurdism The goes. Objection Superiority the so Or recognition. demands criterion Absurdist the which toward reality absurd very the of rejection a contains it because tendency, pernicious a is This trifles. tenable resolution; accordingly, are one’s viewed as insignificant struggles a attain to above oneself one’sphenomenon placing to inability amounts of acomical resolution as dissolution the to inherent incongruity absurd the Viewing reality. absurd the one’s to engagement own with detrimental (my italicization) Camus, Camus, (my italicization) Echoing the critique of the Superiority Theory in the first chapter,first the in Theory Superiority the of critique the Echoing Camus. notion for apejorative Albert be not to seem does Superiority : “At moments heights when of he each leaves those the The Myth of Sisyphus of Myth The 9 ‘His fate’, of course, refers to the absurdity fate’, ‘His absurdity refers the to of course, , 109. superior to his fate his to superior The The

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107 Chapter 4 Chapter Objections against the humoristic disposition toward the Absurd 108 12 11 10 one’s in oneself for need resolution. of self-cruelty,some sort harms which as characterized be at may best Absurdism Humoristic Thus, invested. much very are they which in at something laugh Absurdists Humoristic but intrapersonal. not is interpersonal, hostility The predicament. at this aimed be to supposed is hostility the one’s is predicament, own Absurdism of humorous Humoristic in laughter object the GivenObjection? that of cruelty. How, Hostility the ascription the we should has understand then, neither – and not is interpersonal humor HA in the no force that has given predicate ‘antisocial’ the all, After Absurdism. Humoristic when applied to superiority. of feelings without hostility of possibility the demonstrating haughty, thereby than rather spiteful be also may expense at another’s ajoke for reason cracking the for For such reasons hostility. the instance, of humor than rather nature hostile and harmful on the be, should and is, emphasis the (i.e., about you yourself”), “doing feel better makes so for given humiliation reason by the implied is position asuperior Although argues: Western Thought’,in John Morreall Objection”. “Hostility it the calling vocabulary, Objection. Superiority the Therefore, of need amore version in we modest of are of ridicule. object

Well-Being.” Morreall, 245. Morreall, Martin et al., “Individual Differences in Uses of Humor and Their Relation to Psychological Psychological to Relation Their and Humor of Uses in Differences “Individual al., et Martin Thought.” Western in Humor of Rejection “The Morreall, As formulated above, the criticism clearly does not stand its ground ground its not stand does clearly criticism above, the formulated As at worst. cruel and at best antisocial is yourself, about you feel better makes so doing because just person another humiliate and ridicule to Similarly, abhorrent. clearly is for example, , their drawing and bones people’s breaking of pleasure the for just fights fist into To get result. will evil nogreater avoided when be to evil facie prima a is people between Hostility this. like objection We put the can more in modest present objection the have framed Some critics 10 In ‘The Rejection of Humor Rejection ‘The In 11 12

put more simply, “doing or saying funny things at one’s expense”.put own more things simply, funny “doing or saying by excessive self-disparagementSelf-defeating or, humor characterized is phenomenon the to related closely it of is “self-defeating” humor.particular, well-being. In psychological humor and between relation the into research 17 16 15 14 13 toward of hostility necessity the contradicts thus humorism enhancing of life.” absurdities by the amused myself, often I’m by I’m when “Even and better”; feel myself make to situation the about funny of something think to try Iusually upset or unhappy feeling “If I am absurdities: with deal to mechanism of acoping function the emphasizing of humor, style this with associated of utterances collection the is bad mood. and depression,anxiety are hand, other on the Negative correlates, support. social with satisfaction and optimism self-esteem, cheerfulness, well-being, psychological mechanism”. “as acoping functions life” and of incongruities by the amused frequently be to involves a“tendency humor. style “self-enhancing” self-defeating This of humor called is style the of counterpart benign The well-being. on impact beneficial a with of humor, adaptive styles exist associated there are which shows that research. psychological this from evident becomes thus style, humoristic a in manifested be can that self-cruelty the health, psychological own well-being. psychological overall and supports social with include self-esteem, intimacy, satisfaction Negative correlates things. other depression, among and anxiety mood, bad hostility, aggression, with of correlates humor positively style This

Martin et al., “Individual Differences in Uses of Humor and Their Relation to Psychological Psychological to Relation Their and Humor of Uses in Differences “Individual al., et Martin Well-Being.” Well-Being.” Martin et al., 53, 71. 53, al., et Martin Martin et al. et Martin 54. al., et Martin Martin et al., “Individual Differences in Uses of Humor and Their Relation to Psychological Psychological to Relation Their and Humor of Uses in Differences “Individual al., et Martin The self-directed hostility corresponds to observations from observations to corresponds self-directed hostility The However, humor need not be maladaptive. Psychological research However, research Psychological humor not maladaptive. need be 14 The pernicious tendency of humor toward one’s one’s toward humor of tendency pernicious The 16 A salient detail in this research research this in detail Asalient 15 Positive correlates include Positive correlates 17 The possibility of self- of possibility The

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109 Chapter 4 Chapter Objections against the humoristic disposition toward the Absurd 110 18 notion of This desires. fundamental most of our short it falls that sense the in worthless as is’) or ‘what notion ofthe ‘reality’ under (subsumed resolution ultimate find to ability actual our portraying at hand, reality the disparages concrete instances its and Absurd the toward disposition ahumoristic of reality, nature disappointing the to due that, claimed be it may Thus, desire. our of to outcome relation in underperformance the to amounts Absurd the contrary, oncondition; the Absurdism. this (or, still and norms the to rather, superior as recognized be may object the chapter, first the in seen have we as because, humor,of for society. people’s in respect value undermines supposedly tendency devaluating humor’s Confucianism, piety, as such filial and harmony social emphasize that traditions to According means. it reduces ends-in-themselves that sense the in mere to violation, moral a constitutes devaluation this view, of point Kantian a from Especially itself. in valuable as not is recognized person that people, other impress to means a as person another about jokes one when Especially others. of value of humor, innate the object the are contradicts such devaluation people When for object. amoment, its Absurd humortopic of devalues the the disregarding general, in humorism to problem. of Applied the heart at is the risible, of the but devaluation risible, the toward Not hostility Objection”. “Devaluation the this call us brought let chapter, first Theory the in forward Superiority the of version modified the with line In for adversity. mechanism coping aconstructive presenting by oneself even self-defeating enhance can and not is necessarily Absurd the humor regarding Indeed, Absurdism. Humoristic one’s in predicament

The contingency (as opposed to necessity) of devaluation in the phenomenon of humor is discussed discussed is humor of phenomenon the in devaluation of necessity) to opposed (as contingency The in the first chapter. first the in

recognition Although devaluation of the object may not necessarily be the result result the be not may necessarily object of the devaluation Although may beA Objection ofmodification the final considered. Superiority 18 Indeed, reality does not outperform the norm in the absurd absurd the in norm the not does outperform reality Indeed, ) be considered funny, this does not does hold for considered) be funny, Humoristic this worthlessness because of of because thus thus they they were in the first place. misguided Surely, she should regardless strive were not job discredited; point of her view, dream toward her exertions Absurdist From the we would object. her exertions, notshould discredit she that saying condemnation, If someone with responded worthless. appears resolution ultimate an find to ability her result, a As laughter. humorous with respond –she may job her be dream to she took what by disappointed –e.g., being aconcrete absurdity with confronted is valuation. proper its urging thus such find resolution, to inability our on light sheds but resolution, ultimate find to ability the of value the disparage not does wrongfully Absurdism Humoristic Thus, Itit seem. is however, resolution, makes ahumorist ultimate than not value is of higher find to ability actual Our beings. human equal as value innate their to contrast stark in them, by people devalues diverted Being goes. Objection Devaluation general –or the so object of that value the contradicts usually of risibility object the disparages ahumorist which in way The but rather Absurd, the toward disposition humoristic be in contradiction with itself. with contradiction in be it would short, In notion Absurd. of the the respect to chapter, fails HA then second the in described notion Absurd, of the so-called of the part is that ability of that value initial of the arejection in resolution consists ultimate find to ability our of devaluation humoristic the if Indeed, Absurdism. of aform as of HA problem, aproblem but for also integrity psychological the Moreover, self-ascription pathological. as not presentthis it does only a of phenomenon the into critique of the self-defeating humor supports research psychological the Again, resignation. depression or inordinate of asign as described be may worthless as one’sSeeing exertions Absurdism. of Humoristic case the in understood be ought to devaluation which in sense the summarizes Allow me to expand upon this point with an example. When one When example. an point with upon this expand me to Allow However, itnot is exactly pathological. facie prima is self-ascription ofThe worthlessness actually actually worthless, for we cannot find ultimate resolution. resolution. ultimate find cannot we for worthless, devaluation that is the result of the result the is that proper valuation proper

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111 Chapter 4 Chapter Objections against the humoristic disposition toward the Absurd 112 19 movements:bodily in delight butits finds understanding, the to is Kant keen the on supposition humorthat underscoring is not enjoyable outcome, and Immanuel expectation between incongruity of humor the as Absurd. face of the the in of humorous mirth possibility the excluding thus enjoyable, be cannot Absurd, the that means this Absurdism, Humoristic to Applied disturbing. inherently is what to integrity psychological or lacks humor either reality misconceives of incongruity, experience amusing the of humor. structure As formal of the explanation primary the as Theory Incongruity the it endorses argument, this in Like for irrational. being humorism criticize Objection’ ‘Irrationality the forth bringing Those Objection Irrationality The 4.2. devaluation, the than the as understood be it ought to Thus, striving. our for resolving capability the namely of risibility, object of the value actual the not it does contradict Absurdism, Humoristic in place takes devaluation which in asense is there Although Absurd. of the recognition due maintaining components, thus or its Absurd the toward position or hostile a superior not need One manifest Absurdism. Humoristic to place. first the in framework Absurdist of the part already was such HA, present is atendency in there if worthlessness, of conclusion, In ascription the worthless. ultimately as recognized be should her striving about her exertions; illusions any notshe should bear for desire but resolution, the to order in do justice to futility innate of the

See Chapter 1 for the earlier usage of this quote, in the context of the Incongruity Theory. Incongruity the of context the in quote, this of usage earlier the 1for Chapter See be something absurd ( absurd something be must there laugh convulsive alively excite to is that everything In explanation his In plentiful. are objection of this precursors Historical applications different its all in fails Objection Superiority the short, In

of the human ability to attain ultimate resolution. ultimate attain to ability human of the in which the understanding, therefore, can can therefore, understanding, the which in proper valuation proper being an incongruity an being 19 , rather , rather , 21 20 beings. human to inherent is that drive rational the to antithetical essentially is absurdity Comical humor, incongruity. enjoy one cannot because enjoy cannot One impossible. humor utterly is Santayana, to According terminis in contradictio a is of incongruity enjoyment inconceivable.it The is or frustrating; distracting humorous amusement more is that than stating Objection, understanding. for rational desire our even frustrates perhaps and aims rationalistic our from us distracts humorism form, all-encompassing its in Indeed, of humorous satisfaction. structural nature the irrational upon the emphasis the with of incongruity, enjoyment toward critical least at be to appears Kant however, , Kant’s of context larger the in Seen health. physical as such understanding, or rational even to superior equivalent values propose may One humorism. to objection not an need be analysis the form, isolated its In Santayana,

Kant, Kant, the body, and the reflex effect of this upon the mind. the upon this of effect reflex body, the and the upon representation the of influence the in consist must cause its for Therefore amoment. enjoyment active it very gives yet indirectly transformation, This nothing. into expectation of astrained transformation sudden satisfaction no find can like hunger or cold. hunger like can he than nobetter absurdity like can animal, arational being man, and absurdity, of an presence the in we aword, are In out. carried be cannot that asuggestion mind, the in analogy a wrong starts us, before nature the falsifies accident comic The a futility. is thing the But impinges. suddenly idea unexpected an background this upon reality; everyday and sense of common background We aprosaic have Irrationality the to spin amore puts radical Santayana George Critique of Judgment of Critique The Sense of Beauty of Sense The which is certainly not enjoyable to the understanding the to enjoyable not certainly is which , First Part, sec. 54. sec. Part, , First : ). Laughter is an affection arising from the the from arising affection an is ). Laughter , 152. 21 20

,

113 Chapter 4 Chapter Objections against the humoristic disposition toward the Absurd 114 22 23 dissonance: the avoidance of future present and reduction motivates itself in dissonance existence of relationsamongnonfitting cognitions”, that argues Festinger within himself.” Dissonance Cognitive of beginning very at the by asserting stance a rationalistic for reduction.”generates its pressure automatically and disturbing reduce inherently “Anomaly is to it: tendency rationalist the explicates and thought of systems scientific in anomaly of character disturbing the postulates Barnes Barry Thought’, of Humor Western in Rejection ‘The Morreall’s John in Quoted exist. does of incongruity rejection categorical of the resonance Contemporary not is so. this past, distant of the something like some to readers seem incongruity. amusement: of source humorous of the nature irrational the toward by simply pointing rejected be may humorism standpoints, reprehensible. of From either these categorically is of which frustration the rationality, toward striving innate an beings human in exists there that more modestly argue Others means. by rational accessible structure, logical inherently an has reality that insist rationalists Some of these humanity. guiding norm sovereign the as and/or philosophy political for quest ethics, the happiness, metaphysics, science, in of rationality, pursuit the of prescribes source knowledge, chief the as reason regards that doctrine the as understood roughly Rationalism, assumption. arationalistic in but Theory, also Incongruity the in not humor rooted only is against Objection Irrationality the why is This opposed. be may irrationality which to of rationality value

Ruth Finnegan and Robin Horton, Horton, Robin and Finnegan Ruth and Stock Publishers, 2017), 190. 2017), Publishers, Stock and Leon Festinger, Festinger, Leon While such overly rationalistic antipathy against humorism may humorism against antipathy such overly rationalistic While would not aproblem were there be if no supreme Irrationality A Theory of Cognitive Dissonance Cognitive of A Theory 23 When discussing cognitive dissonance, defined as “the “the as defined dissonance, cognitive discussing When that “the individual strives toward consistency consistency toward strives individual “the that Modes of Thought in Western and Non-Western Societies Non-Western and Western in Thought of Modes (Stanford University Press, 1962), 1. 1962), Press, University (Stanford 22 Similarly, Leon Festinger takes takes Festinger Leon Similarly, A Theory of A Theory (Wipf (Wipf be fundamentally mistaken. In In mistaken. fundamentally be would then HA condition, human the misjudging In condition. human the of unity rational appreciate the to fails structurally Absurd face of the the considered avice. therefore, is humorism aims; of rational frustration the in consists humor congruous, as approach reality to rational the to contradictory is incongruity since and of incongruity, involves recognition the essentially psychology. and philosophy contemporary much in alive but very past, distant of the not is astance Objection, Irrationality of the premise a basic as serves which incongruity, toward animosity rationalistic the Thus, evident. is incongruity and dissonance between parallel The 25 24

Festinger, 3. Festinger, (original italicization) John Morreall, Morreall, John italicization) (original & Sons, 2011), 14–15. 2011), & Sons, fit into rational patterns, so that nothing is more than than more is nothing that so patterns, rational into fit would everything mind, To omniscient an evaporate. will mystery the do, they When enough. it carefully not yet have investigated animals rational the that just –it’s so not inherently is seems or mysterious puzzling What explainable. theoretically is short, in Everything, in humorism that is objection of form this weakest the HA, to Applied humor follows: as because phrased be can objection of the crux The dissonance. the increase likely would which information and avoid situations actively will person the it, reduce to trying to addition in present, […] is consonance. dissonance When achieve and dissonance the reduce to try to person the motivate will uncomfortable, psychologically being of dissonance, existence The possible only for those who are ignorant or confused. ignorant are who for those only possible is amusement so and then, condition, human or the universe the about or comic incongruous objectively nothing is There anomalous. Comic Relief: A Comprehensive Philosophy of Humor of Philosophy AComprehensive Relief: Comic Comic Relief Relief Comic (2011), John Morreall concludes:(2011), John Morreall 24 25 apparently (John Wiley (John Wiley

115 Chapter 4 Chapter Objections against the humoristic disposition toward the Absurd 116 26 commonplace to the response scarce, still is incongruities such visual perception of the into research psychological Although but no avail. to perfection, utmost to task such amundane perform to one attempts which in the situation in oneself find also may One meet. lines symmetry other all center which the in missing off, thereby slightly is of cutting process the complete to order in line symmetry final the but pieces, but eight For not close-too-perfect, in apie cut quite. is are example, images the Oftentimes, degree. afrustrating –to of congruity forms other and patterns of symmetry, norms violate which videos exist there pieces, absolutely symmetrical in cut being is fruit for which, instance, in videos”, “oddly satisfying so-called humorous to opposed apprehension. As of case considerfollowing the Absurd, by the for consonance. need psychological of our frustration deliberate its in even masochistic be would dissonance of additional pursuit The incongruities. and dissonance avoidance well as of reduction as anomalies, toward pressure the including congruity, toward impulse of a renunciation rational would our be Absurd the in comical the seeing and absurdity; like one cannot Santayana, with uncomfortable’. Arguing ‘psychologically is by what amused being in integrity put of lack be psychological on may the Objection Irrationality humorist. of the mind the in therefore, and, not amistake ineradicable of is life absurdity the congruities, possible spite of In all resolution. of lack ultimate the with for contradiction desire our in resolution is incongruous: fundamentally is condition show to human how been the whole pointhas of the which 2, win. errorists the well –and up as cracks itself youcrack up, reality life let you time Every erroneous. is life of side comical the seeing Thus,

589–598. Cf. Benjamin A.G. Fuller, “Is Reality Really Comic?,” Really Reality “Is Fuller, A.G. Benjamin Cf. In order to fully comprehend how it could be irrational to be diverted diverted be to comprehend how irrational be order itIn could fully to the in emphasis the criticism, weak this of revision first a In reference Chapter to with dismissed be easily can expostulation This The Journal of Philosophy of Journal The concrete absurdity concrete 43, no. 22 (1946): (1946): 22 no. 43, and its its and 26 if notif distressing. discomforting, do as present themselves they death, of and life a matter forneed order, such symmetry. as human genus meet acertain however, satisfactory of the videos that is postulated, been has What frustration. with rife is such incongruities 29 28 27 humorous incongruity approach the an asense, to In of incongruity. humorous of experience the irrationality supposed on the focuses objection manner. unequivocal an in of incongruity property the yet manifests gravity lacks which of examples, above family the foreground deliberately why is I This for need congruity. psychological the violates Absurd of the humorous experience the of which aresult as disturbing, inherently is incongruity that Objection Irrationality of present the formulation the of here. Rather, not are at stake humorous apprehension it the is Absurd of the reality. or of engagement our Absurd with up the makes that desire of the earnestness not here on the does focus Ispeak which well. as dissonance future for not to appropriate, only we fail seems of masochism predicate the then negligence, similar with pies cut to parts, eight apie equal cut into to failed having we continue, after If uncomfortable. inherently is by what amused paradoxically congruity, out laughter, toward in burst impulse we rational renounce our thereby

incongruity as such as incongruity In 4.4 I raise the objection relating to the lack of psychological integrity in the frivolity, as opposed opposed as frivolity, the in integrity psychological of lack the to relating objection the Iraise 4.4 In to earnestness, that is inherent to humorism. to inherent is that earnestness, to Objection.” “Metamodern the introduce I where 4.4, in up brought is object humorous the regarding earnestness of alack to relating tion enjoying of irrationality sheer the but here, central is that object humorous the regarding earnestness of alack not It is incongruities. to responds one which with science.howstuffworks.com/why-do-get-so-much-pleasure-from-symmetry.html. This dimension is crucial, for the objection does not rest upon the ascription of an irrational frivolity frivolity irrational an of ascription the upon rest not does objection the for crucial, is dimension This “Why Do We Get So Much Pleasure From Symmetry?,” HowStuffWorks, November 6, 2017, https:// 6, November HowStuffWorks, Symmetry?,” From Pleasure Much So We Do Get “Why The first counterargumentative strategy against this modified modified this against strategy counterargumentative first The of integrity psychological the that emphasize to It important is 28 If, in response to the violation of this human need, we need, human of this violation the to If, response in that is deemed irrational. Indeed, it is argued in in argued it is Indeed, deemed irrational. is that reduce 27 Although these cases are clearly not clearly are cases these Although present dissonance, but to present dissonance, incongruity as such as incongruity 29 The constituents constituents The . The objec . The avoid

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117 Chapter 4 Chapter Objections against the humoristic disposition toward the Absurd 118 34 33 32 31 30 of humor. faculty the and of reason faculty between link intimate of an direction the in consistently it points Still, of incongruity. nature disturbing, than rather delightful, accord rationally decide uponown the of its cannot of such correlations conclusiveness, for establishment the of status the to elevated be cannot of evidence collection this course, produce well as humor. as recognize to ability the with correlates reasoning abstract and intelligence on scores verbal high that data their theon basis of claiming insights, these previous have scholars reaffirmed appearances. of certain nature comical the understand to them of humor, sense advanced have an students enabling gifted intellectually for humor. capacity the and intelligence between .91-correlation found astaggering study One faculties. humor rational and between link apositive is there that suggesting research neurological and psychological ample exists there addition, In remarks: Morreall standpoint. of subjective suspension our the given objective, and moreseems rational

Cf. Morreall, “The Rejection of Humor in Western Thought,” 249–55. 249–55. Thought,” Western in Humor of Rejection “The Morreall, Cf. Mating Predicts Intelligence, Reveals Ability “Humor Miller, Geoffrey and Greengross Gil intell.2011.03.006. Males,” in Higher Is and Success, https://doi.org/10.1515/humr.1995.8.3.257. Students,” in Giftedness Learning,” Incidental and Intentional Dan G. Holt and Colleen Willard-Holt, “An Exploration of the Relationship between Humor and and Humor between Relationship the of Exploration “An Willard-Holt, Colleen and Holt G. Dan and Creativity, Intelligence, to Humor of Relationship “The W. John Thomas, and Hauck E. William Morreall, “Philosophy of Humor.” “Philosophy Morreall, emotional perspective. an than rational and objective, more abstract, is perspective This people. of other mistakes and failures the we view way the it in we view or mistake, failure own our is situation incongruous the If occurring. is of what oddness the enjoy and emotions, negative to lead that concerns practical personal, the suspend [W]e Humor - International Journal of Humor of Journal - International Humor Intelligence 30 31 The Journal of Experimental Education Experimental of Journal The In another study, another In concluded it was that 39, no. 4 (July 2011): 188–92, https://doi.org/10.1016/j. 188–92, 2011): 4(July no. 39, Research 8, no. 3 (2009): 257–272, 257–272, 3 (2009): no. 8, Research 40, no. 4 (1972): 52–55. 4(1972): no. 40, 32 Recently, Recently, 34 33 Of Of

regardless of its interest in reason. in interest of its regardless irrationality enjoy can excellenther in play, interest chess animal arational of regardless stupidity enjoy can grandmaster a chess Like incongruity. enjoy we cannot for that need rationality, essential not the and even from beings, of human capacities sequitur. It rational not does follow the from a non is inference, then, Santayana’s unquenched. thirst rationalistic our of (e.g., leaving danger words, other noreasoning real in sudokus). is, There abstract our to well as as of pieces (e.g., architecture) senses harmonious our to phenomena available congruous and of plenty rational are there Indeed, well. as irrationality enjoy we cannot that not does mean videos”) satisfying “oddly the in (e.g., symmetry perfect the rationality enjoy to we tend that fact The originates. Objection Irrationality the which from rationalism full-blooded of the arejection to down boils It essentially Objection. Irrationality the defense its against in impasse argumentative upon an stumbles strategy this Thus, irrationality. recognize to ability superior’s rationally the underscore would only latter the whereas of incongruity, recognition the reference in relative comfort the to with wouldlink provide basis a firm forthe debunking Objection, Irrationality former The at all. incongruity recognize to ability the or just rationality, to linked is which comical as incongruity recognize to ability the ittruly is out whether make to and abilities two the between order distinguish in to paramount is research neurological and psychological further Therefore, deficiencies. see to able are they that excellences respective their to due moves; stupid it is recognize to ability grandmaster’s chess or the aircraft in defects finding in excellence engineer’s aerospace the explain would one as way same the in explained words, other In be it may incongruity. an perceived be to already of is what dimension comical the recognize to ability the than rather impulse, rational of the frustration the thereby and at all, incongruity recognize to ability by the explained be may studies

The second counterargument is less empirical, yet more effective. empirical, less is second counterargument The available the in However, humor rationality and between link the

119 Chapter 4 Chapter Objections against the humoristic disposition toward the Absurd 120 38 37 36 35 cohesion.” and for need clarity solve, to this longing unity, this for desire “this again and again for stressing foundations, wish to enough for for and reason.” happiness longing his him within one “feels that fact the is conclusion the reach Absurd of the from Absurdism. Camus’ to extends rationalism of absurd”, is “existence ascription that statement the of the crux the as foundations of lack rational the emphasize MacIntyre and Morreall that it “disappointed rationalism”. he calls of existentialism, criticism his In MacIntyre. by Alasdair brought forward been also has worldviews rationalistic as philosophies of absurdity-based interpretation This on Jean-PaulSartre: specifically focusing “existentialists”), (whom upon he one calls notion Absurd or based of another the are that of philosophies interpretation such an attempted has Morreall John assumption. have arationalistic even proponentsthat of Absurdism Camus,

Camus, 51. Alasdair MacIntyre, “Existentialism,” in “Existentialism,” MacIntyre, Alasdair Macmillan, 1967), 147. 1967), Macmillan, Morreall, 252. Morreall, The Myth of Sisyphus Myth The so. We are all, existentialists included, at least closet rationalists. closet at least included, existentialists Weso. all, are it not be that desire view, inherent we an have Sartre’s in absurd, is existence our soi.’ en though even So ‘being craving soi’ pour We ‘being are actions. for our aguide provides and understandable us makes which nature adeterminate want to foundations, want to condition human of the part it is that claims Sartre Indeed, foundations. such have it did wish to enough rationalistic still are –they foundations or ethical metaphysical, epistemological, without is, –that absurd world is the that hold they Though argue one might of rationalism, rejection the to opposition In The rationalistic outlook is further corroborated by textual evidence evidence by textual corroborated further is outlook rationalistic The The Myth of Sisyphus of Myth The , 31. . The point of departure from which we eventually we which eventually from of point departure . The The Encyclopedia of Philosophy Encyclopedia The 37 Surely, Camus is rationalistic rationalistic is Surely, Camus , ed. Paul Edwards (New York: York: (New Edwards Paul ed. , 38 Despite the the Despite 35 36 Given dictate of reason is upheld is of reason by Camus: dictate the regard, this In Absurdism. to integral remains foundations, rational endorsement positive of the such than rather foundations for rational need the as understood thought”, rationalism, of human irrational on the eventually stumbles always rationalism universal most “the contention that 42 41 40 39 but lacking, are foundations rational problem only the not is that Camus, including quote by Morreall, the in paraphrased philosophers to According diagnosis. Absurdist one of only the dimension foundations is rational itself, of but lack satisfactory the demarcates reason which in Absurd, ”. forward bring foundationalism”, one also and may “privilege called is what in not rational. need be clearer.be limits.” its noting lucidis reason from statement crystalline especially an with Absurdism in for rationalism evidence the conclude textual the world[…] the absurd is that understanding aconclusion is of reason” “the of reasoning: line but arationalistic as negation of rationalism, outright not the as Absurdism Camus’ interprets It Avi Sagi hence is that Camus,

Matthias Steup, “,” in in “Epistemology,” Steup, Matthias Sagi, Avi and Sagi archives/win2018/entries/epistemology/. https://plato.stanford.edu/ 2018), University, Stanford Lab, Research (Metaphysics 2018 Winter Camus, 42. clear. If that is its pride, I see no sufficient reason for giving it up. giving for reason nosufficient Isee pride, its is clear. that If remain can intelligence the where path middle this in remain to want Imerely powers. relative its recognizing it, negate do not therefore I reason, of the limits the Irecognize if But down. bow reason the and its pride I must here that am sacrifice told the intelligence again Still, the required foundations, mentioned in the quote by Morreall, mentioned the foundations, in required the Still, empirical experience The Myth of Sisyphus of Myth The 42 Certainly, Camus takes a rationalistic approach the to arationalistic takes Camus Certainly, Introspection Albert Camus and the Philosophy of the Absurd the of Philosophy the and Camus Albert , 49. The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy of Encyclopedia Stanford The as a possible foundation, as in “experiential “experiential in as foundation, a possible as 41 The presence of rationalism could not could presence of rationalism The can be taken as a sufficient ground, The Myth of Sisyphus Myth The (Rodopi, 2002), 62. (Rodopi, , ed. Edward N. Zalta, Zalta, N. Edward ed. , : “The absurd absurd : “The 39 40

I

121 Chapter 4 Chapter Objections against the humoristic disposition toward the Absurd 122 43 videos, satisfying and resolutions symphonic symmetry, architectural puzzles, leaves room for of logical course, This, for desire of congruity. the avoid to we frustration if are the Absurdism Humoristic against, object than of humor, feature we endorse, characteristic rather ought to of this virtue By forsaken. is resolve incongruity to attempt serious the experience, humorous humorous amusement? the In Why, with respond then, Absurd. impulse. rational of the sake for for very not rationality, aim the the we better say, had to is Absurd, in that the incongruity, face of irresolvable Ergo, frustration. its upon stumble only can paradox logical a solve to desire alogician’s like desire, our frustrate would only desire this Following futile. is Absurd the in for desire congruity the pretense, of rationalistic of Absurdism. premise very the Such would reject apretense at all. no Absurdism is of absurdity of areconciliation possibility the suggests that philosophy Absurdist an for of form Absurdism, found any be in to pretense no rationalistic is there for […]longing reason”. solve”, to a “desire for a“longing for unity”, a“need […] cohesion” “a and includes explicitly anthropology Camusian the Indeed, incongruity. with completely are okay beings human that thought had Camus if expresses level. fundamental at a congruous be reality that desire Festinger the and Barnes Santayana, like rationalists with shares proponent other every of Absurdism, as well as Camus, pretense. rationalistic and desire rationalistic between distance resolution. offor absence ultimate the resolution and desire the between of congruity or actuality possibility confoundto the which from foundation a finds one domains, these of none In experiential. nor nor introspective neither rational no at foundations all, are there that Camus, This does not immediately imply that we should be diverted by the by the diverted we be should that imply not does immediately This lack the and desire rationalistic of the conjunction of the Because considerable the to indifferent seems Morreall Furthermore, The Myth of Sisyphus of Myth The The Myth of Sisyphus of Sisyphus Myth The 43 , 31, 51. , 31, Beyond this rationalistic yearning for congruity, for congruity, yearning rationalistic Beyond this would not contain the gravity it gravity the would not contain agitation of the rationalistic desire. The latter latter The desire. rationalistic of the agitation when addition from possible,to the in the negative refraining, gratification in gratification, positive with desire rationalistic our provide can which all of its forms. forms. of its all in fails Objection Irrationality the short, In resolve incongruity. to trying from favor we in which humorous refrain of in amusement, the Objection Irrationality the debunks what exactly is congruity toward impulse rational negative

gratification of the the of gratification

123 Chapter 4 Chapter Objections against the humoristic disposition toward the Absurd 124 Aristotle explicated its basic premise: basic its explicated Aristotle Absurd. the toward we maintain ought to that concern practical of the debilitation structural a as disposition humoristic the portrays Objection Irresponsibility the Absurdism, Humoristic to Applied of irresponsibility. predicate the prey to humor falls incapacitation, of this light In object. risible about the concern her practical in subject the humor incapacitates holds that Objection Irresponsibility the of risibility, objects the to perspective serious anon- assume humorous experiences that premise the from Starting The Irresponsibility4.3. Objection 44 humorism. against however, incomplete arguments and as terse remain formulations, precursive These Prynne. William and John Climacus Nyssa, of book biblical the Epictetus, Protagoras, Objection: of proponents Irresponsibility of the history this of philosophy humor, the to adds a fewregarding names John Morreall overviews insightful his In happy life. and of avirtuous attainment the undermines comical as things purpose”,includes experiencing “serious of form life superior the Given that happiness. correlate: alleged its to regard with but also of virtue, terms not in only disposition, serious the to inferior considered is be to disposition other words,In ahumoristic Aristotle, Aristotle, Press, 1975), 1177a. 1975), Press, therefore more productive of happiness. more productive therefore superior, and itself is or person faculty nobler of the activity the therefore, activities; their are we think, more serious, the is, person or a afaculty nobler the and amusing; and funny are that things to superior be to things serious we pronounce Also amusement. in not consist does and purpose, serious involves life but virtuous life; ahappy be to thought is virtue with conforms that life the And Objection, Irresponsibility the raise to thinkers first the of one As Aristotle in 23 Volumes 23 in Aristotle , trans. H. Rackham, vol. 19 (Cambridge, Mass: Harvard University University Harvard Mass: (Cambridge, 19 vol. Rackham, H. , trans. Ecclesiastes

, John Chrysostom, Gregory of Gregory , John Chrysostom, 44

125 Chapter 4 Chapter Objections against the humoristic disposition toward the Absurd 126 46 45 laughter, into you of burst pulling instead by surprise, Caught shark. white agreat appears: reef, organism different the arather around biodiversity the regarding moments of fascination blissful many reef. the After around swimming are you boat, the to you connecting cord, a to Tied Pacific. the reef in acoral somewhere near onhumor. aboat trip being Imagine with incongruity countering in ofconsider irresponsibility afew examples incongruity. to of humorous responses pattern behavioral therefore, (4) comical; as a one experienced ought not be manifest to to ought not (1) (2), from and concern; (3) it follows that incongruities many practical demand (2) and incongruities many object; risible about the concern practical subject’s the incapacitates humorous experience the sequence: (1) inferential following the to adheres argument the form, something and feeling practical concern about it.” concern practical feeling and something by amused being between “incompatibility the highlights general in do. often they let asolution, whereas alone of need concern, in do not be to seem matters laughable, as presented When irresponsibility. promotes and harnesses both humorist the Ludovici, to According resolve: to neglect they what chaos leave to in excuse an with people providing of humor aform weakness, as characterizes Ludovici Anthony

Morreall, “The Rejection of Humor in Western Thought,” 255. Thought,” Western in Humor of Rejection “The Morreall, Morreall, 255. Morreall, Before applying this objection to Humoristic Absurdism, let us Absurdism, Humoristic to objection this Before applying humorism to Objection Irresponsibility the then, Essentially, humor. of indolence and cowardice the with incompatible is which energy ahaughty innovator passionate and inspired every in is there tell, to Truth them... about laugh people make to prefers and problems thorny of solving task heavy the shirks mind humorous the Because everywhere. increasing is muddle the why is that and questions, all approaching in adopt to principle lazier the therefore, is, Humor more extensive. are Objection Irresponsibility versions of the Modern 45 46 Put in more strict more in strict Put 48 47 Absurd face of the the in of humorous responses apattern that objection the raise reader may acritical Absurdism, of Humoristic case Even the in sphere: ethical the in mostly Objection Irresponsibility the situates Morreall Indeed, grounds. onwould moral condemn him stove, many the to herself burn daughter his upon seeing laughter into burst Ifafather disposition. of ahumoristic case general the in relevant manifestations. concrete its and of existence absurdity about the concern practical it undermines that is Absurdism Humoristic problem the with of critics, camp imagined this to according Thus, we which lives. live ought our in to structure overarching the condition lays existential the a bagatelle; exactly not level. It indeed, is, at such afundamental matters by what diverted being in irresponsibility the underscore should Objection Irresponsibility at hand. matter the to of humorous responses by aconsistent pattern behavior, responsible demands (supposedly) is which annulled sobriety and of addiction earnestness The drooling. tantalized his transpiration, tremor, convulsive –his excessive his symptoms odd-looking withdrawal about his joke to getto least, sober, the say to inappropriate, it would be for now. adecade addicted been friend has helping this IfIam A friend case. following by the illustrated be may of form irresponsibility unethical A more deemed irresponsible. be would certainly humorous behavior order cord in getthe safety. to to Facing incongruity, such adangerous

Morreall, 255–57. Morreall, Morreall, 255. Morreall, occasions. on many criticism ethical to open be certainly would person anonserious Such problems. any never remedied so and be, should they what not being things about never felt who concern someone be would events incongruous all about laughed who person The be may objections existential, than rather ethical, Admittedly, of advocate the an Absurdism, of Humoristic assessment the In 48

47

127 Chapter 4 Chapter Objections against the humoristic disposition toward the Absurd 128 about, and it is irresponsible to disengage ourselves from certain kinds kinds certain from ourselves disengage to it irresponsible is and about, “humor involve does we laughing what a disengagementobjection: are from force defense the his of in of humor in the even acquiesces John Morreall link, From this disengagement. practical to linked humor essentially is that Objection Irresponsibility of the exponents the Therefore, with I concur more be effective. to strategy completely butbe another Ibelieve hopeless, solution. its on focusing and situation of the humorous of experience the rid by getting effective more be certainly could One of one’s utmost the capabilities. proactive one not is conceded exercising that be it should ambivalence, psychological Even process ofif ofit withdrawal. kinds these is with possible to identify endure the to for need him grave the expressing simultaneously while symptoms withdrawal friend’s of sight adear by the amused being addition, ofstate humorous amusement, perhaps even in a fit oflaughter. in Imagine, –yet a in surface the to ascending cord and the of adiver pulling image the mind to Call above examples? the How wea minute. should imagine for of thought line but follow let us strategy, this ambitious an is this sure, To proactive concern. and be a humorous experience relation between exclusive deny mutually to the one has strategy, counterargumentative this disengagement humor altogether. and between In link the of denying task constituents. its and Absurd the of awareness astark in actions our reflect to responsibility the regarding specifically facts, existential the to faithfulness of terms in conceived be should words, other In ‘irresponsibility’ Absurdism. of Humoristic on the paper,of this essentially focuses which however, scope Ethics, the of outside is domain. ethical the from domain existential the in non-serious the disposition isolate to attempting with difficulties psychological some are there all, After sphere. interpersonal the to radiate may which about concrete absurdities, concern practical behavior, of lack of the basis for on the example unethical stimulates Speaking of effectivity, this counterargumentative strategy may not may strategy counterargumentative this of effectivity, Speaking up the take one might Objection, Irresponsibility the to opposition In existential justification 49 to inherent incongruity solve the tenably can that no action exists there conclusion, In eternity. through not last it will triumph, momentary his However point. deeply experience he may starting its to descending rock his when of he sees success sense his on to holding desperately Sisyphus, probably most imagine never work. Finally, submit his he will and distance; the not surmount He will perfect. it is work his submit until to refusing perfection, literary and writing his between distance insurmountable the with writer, confronted aperfectionist Imagine retire. to desire his reinvigorate only will ex-pensioner the result, a As office. the into back getting and job prior his to retirement) his to reapplying forward looking of decades work to after pensioner (the one return who fresh longs to the For resolution. imagine dissolved example, the restore to try to little very power. remedial in inadequate categorically already was what incapacitates only Absurd of the humorous experience The concern. proactive demands that of incongruity kind not is the Absurd the Thus, shark. from a way the flee we in condition theabsurd from flee We cannot irremediable. no remedy,has tautologically is for absurdity however, Absurd, of condition the abstract The incongruity. remedy the to need proactive the humor incapacitates incongruity, by an Confronted brought companies. about by exploitative injustices the addiction; drug of ashark; sudden the appearance concern: demand incongruities many Certainly, concern. proactive demands Absurd the that assumes irresponsible? disengagement is of which practical the of incongruity kind the Absurd the is present inquiry: the to central incongruity specific the on focus a with head, its on turned be to ought question the here. Instead, not is essential disengagement, than rather incongruity.” of

Morreall, 256. Morreall, Neither do the the do Neither falsely Absurdism Humoristic to of irresponsibility ascription The 49 Which kinds of incongruity demand proactive concern, concern, proactive demand of incongruity kinds Which concrete

absurdities demand aremedy, demand absurdities for it helps

129 Chapter 4 Chapter Objections against the humoristic disposition toward the Absurd 130 50 Absurd. the toward disposition humoristic the undermine to fails Objection Irresponsibility the of resort final the conclude,To spirit. renewed with continue for quest to our and meaning absurdity of that frustration the leave to behind us enable may which viewpoint, objective up a more a concrete absurdity, we inherent to disappointment take the from result negative may emotions the to that of succumbing Instead incongruity. from us disengage to propensity very of its by means striving, renewed in engagement our support indirectly can humor Besides, project. pensioner), anew the before (especially pursuing incongruity absurd an enjoy to minutes five spare a has one Often, week. a even or day a alone of hour, humorous an amusement state for more let than unceasing an in be to possible room for hardly but moments humor also it in of is rest, leaves which striving, undiminished hinder biology limited our does only Not exertions. diligent to return wea resolution, not need immediately of dissolution the After exaggerated. is of concern urgency strive),to the need innate the order (in respect to of striving for renewal concern the of striving. renewal the in engage ourselves seriously to we if are concrete absurdity of the humorous experience the so, doing In new resolutions. we avoid ought toward to of striving task up the take instead and resolutions dissolved from stemming of success recognition. practical deserves thus and Absurd of the constitutive is goals toward strive to regarding concern proactive regarding concern proactive do not demand concrete absurdities although that, argued be it may concern. proactive demand that of incongruities category do not the to belong concrete absurdities thus, and, a concrete absurdity

Recall the justificatory guideline, emphasizing recognition of the Absurd, at the end of Chapter 2. Chapter of end the at Absurd, the of recognition emphasizing guideline, justificatory the Recall Although it is correct that concrete absurdities demand proactive proactive demand concrete absurdities that it correct is Although Objection, Irresponsibility the of advocates for resort final a As 50 In other words, we ought to abandon the sense sense words, other In we the abandon ought to the respective incongruities respective the the renewal of striving renewal the . Indeed, the need need the Indeed, . , they do demand demand do they , to the humoristic disposition amode of disposition humoristic the to it assigns form, general its In Objection. Frivolity the objection: a fourth Ipresent by Morreall, canonized of objections Supplementing trilogy the Objection Frivolity The 4.4. 52 51 i.e. humorism. responses, of humorous pattern ergo, (3) indiscriminate an one ought not manifest to engagement; emotional (2) demand and some matters object; its from subject the disengages it emotionally that sense the in humor unserious is […] matters.” weighty ‘joking’ about such existentially frivolous we not in should indulge that insistence “Camus’ emphasizes Plant ‘dramatics’”, Bob “existentialist of Camus’ analysis his In jest. to matter, not subjected should be such atragic being existence, absurd an in not is grievous[.]” so seriously tragic the of way not taking That for joking. no subject is well-set This table. a at seated while suicide praised he laughter, because for subject fit cited, a as often is “Schopenhauer earnestness: deficient of basis the on suicide, regarding a joke against objection an articulates himself Camus – Albert – question philosophical serious truly only the 5. Chapter in investigated for and calls a which is slight Absurdism, ofmodification to be Humoristic for humorism apredilection with for Absurdists challenge pressing most the presents objection This of gravity. amatter than rather afrivolity as Absurd of the experience for its desire resolution in earnest the renounces Absurd the toward disposition humoristic the that protests Objection Frivolity the Absurdism, of Humoristic acritique As matters. of certain way, earnestness negate the to tends this In humorism of seriousness. Camus,

Plant, “Absurdity, Incongruity and Laughter,” 123. Laughter,” and Incongruity “Absurdity, Plant, In brief, the argumentative gist of the Frivolity Objection is this: (1) this: is Objection Frivolity of the gist argumentative brief,In the deemed infamously he what upon reflections introductory his In The Myth of Sisyphus of Myth The , 15. 51 In other words, the topic of words, other In suicide the frivolity , that is, a misplaced lack lack amisplaced is, , that should we kill ourselves? ourselves? kill we should

52

131 Chapter 4 Chapter Objections against the humoristic disposition toward the Absurd 132 54 53 humor: to inherent perspective disinterested the explains Bergson of humor emotions, Henri upon effect the anesthetic the difficulties.” through way their feel, than rather think, They disengagement. show emotional problems, protagonists comic their with engaged emotionally are heroes tragic “While comedy: in protagonists disengagement of emotional the discerns disengagement? John Morreall like. the and anger grief, of sadness, genuine experience the in actualized incongruity, this for need engagement the emotional with eradicate not her does presence, but that aloved lacking and one around wanting between incongruity of the rid no getting is There of concern. proactive possibility) (and very even the perhaps necessitation the omitting while ofFor a loved death engagement, my the one emotional demands example, practical of rejection the Still, proven misguided. be has to proactivity of lacking on account of irresponsibility predicate the Absurd, of the insuperability Given suspended. the is concern proactive which in disengagement, we There, spoke of Objection. Irresponsibility of the heart at the was disengagement that the of disengagement from type this distinguish

Morreall, “Philosophy of Humor.” “Philosophy Morreall, Henri Bergson, Bergson, Henri Its appeal is to intelligence, pure and simple. and pure intelligence, to is appeal Its heart. of the anesthesia amomentary like something demands comic the then, effect, of its whole To the produce of sentiment? music accompanying the from them gay, to on isolating grave from pass suddenly of them many we not see Should test? asimilar stand would actions human How many ridiculous. appear at to once dancers the for on, going is dancing where a room in of music, sound the to ears our acomedy. stop for to into us It enough is turn will drama a many spectator: adisinterested as life upon look aside, Now step humor emotional and between connection the is What notion of the Regarding engagement leaves open the question of engagement question the leaves open Laughter: An Essay on the Meaning of the Comic the of Meaning the on Essay An Laughter: emotional disengagement 54 (Macmillan, 1911), 12. 1911), (Macmillan, emotional , it is important to to important , it is 53 engagement. engagement. Highlighting practical practical and grief. To put grief. itand differently, myself see Imay heartbreak such as invested, emotionally we which are in those especially possess, can incongruities that form disappointing the ignores humorism emotions, negation of grave structural problems. our its In confronting in however, means appropriate not is the Oftentimes, anesthesia 55 matters”: “nothing that premise self-defeating face of the the in illegitimate condition is absurd of the lamentation Indeed, Absurd. the regarding dramatic for too being Camus Nagel. of Thomas criticism Plant’s conception entire Absurd. of the the change course would of desire of absence but this the Absurdism, Humoristic justifying thereby risible, entirely of be resolution may dissolution the then desire, were Ifthere condition. no such human the investment in emotional our of gravity the for desire order resolution the shed in do to away to with impossible is it For trifle. no is This untenable. and transient be to out but wherever they turn thesefind resolutionsand meaning, corresponding meaningful, ultimately lives would render their resolution that ultimate an long for beings human 2, Chapter in explicated been has for As resolution. desire earnest on the be should focus the located, is Absurd of the gravity due? is where the down where pin seriousness to Ifwe are afrivolity as Absurd the portray condition absurd the toward disposition a humoristic does sense what In Absurdism. of Humoristic case apply to the it to time investment. emotional my when Irecognize experience comic, than rather I must tragic, accept the spectator, ultimately, but, Icannot

Recall 2.3, in which the Nagelian notion of the Absurd was discussed. was Absurd the of notion Nagelian the which in 2.3, Recall what reason can we have to resent or escape it? Like the capacity for capacity the Like it? or escape resent we to have can reason what then arises), perception the until not absurd is situation the though (even situation true our of perceiving away is absurd of the asense If Bob reflects loosely Absurdism Humoristic against objection This is it Objection, Frivolity the of grasp sufficient a have we that Now 55 be In ‘The Absurd’, Nagel criticizes Albert Albert Absurd’, Nagel criticizes ‘The In this disinterested spectator; and thus thus and spectator; disinterested this as if as

I were a disinterested Iwere adisinterested

133 Chapter 4 Chapter Objections against the humoristic disposition toward the Absurd 134 57 56 depressing: legitimately be it can point of view asubjective but from comical, as itself manifest may Absurd the perspective, From adisinterested Absurd. the toward disposition appropriate the on perspective nuanced more a provides of (which aform humorism), is ironism Plant Nagelian the humorism) and in ironism. particular of heroic posturing.” however, he denies, or deserving lamentable is absurdity. What this that is generates that life about human something is there that grants “Nagel thus absurd: is life that thesis the incorporates nonetheless which Absurd, of the view tragic the against Nagel’s argument summarizes Plant Bob

Nagel, “The Absurd,” 727. Absurd,” “The Nagel, Plant, “Absurdity, Incongruity and Laughter,” 131. Laughter,” and Incongruity “Absurdity, Plant, we human beings just just beings we human perspectives, objective and of subjective juncture at the living short, In (which excludes dramatics Camusian the both oppositionto In or despair. of heroism instead irony with lives absurd our approach either, we can and matter doesn’t that then matters, anything that If situation. the of unimportance cosmic the appreciate to afailure betray private, on in carried even if dramatics, Such or feel brave proud. to us allows that fate of contempt defiant a evoke it need Nor so. it make we for unless agony amatter not be It need limitations. human our understand to ability the from it results skepticism, epistemological this latter perspective then, the fact that questions such as ‘What ‘What as such questions that fact the then, perspective latter this of view. point From disinterested amore objective, from viewed be […] can predicament ‘spectrum’ this We not forget that should perspectival on the one extreme just it is us; to available perspective only not the is of course, that, But depressing. rather seem may a prospect such subjectively, viewed if Indeed, in. engage to creature questions . Now, in one sense, this is a curious activity for any activity acurious is . Now, this one sense, in sub specie aeternitatis specie sub 57 Instead, it calls for a more humoristic disposition, for disposition, amore humoristic it calls Instead, cannot help repeatedly asking asking repeatedly there is no reason to believe believe to noreason is there unanswerable itself 56

59 58 grave the violates it Absurdism: Humoristic within flaw a detected has It dishonest. psychologically is then, incongruity, the of earnestness the Rejecting emotion at all. or earnest anger any sadness, met by be despair, must inevitably need of this violation categorical the loved that ones and deceased their with be to need innate an widowers loving within exists there that is such remarks behind assumption The “It’s okay. say: to despair. would not to Youin hesitate Friends cry.” can not of humor to sense give and keep to his trying spouse, of his death the with confronted someone being Imagine mirth. his maintain to least, the say to difficult, it finds humorist the violated, is resolution and meaning for aquest as desire such which a grave in here. incongruity Facing an no frivolity. is Absurd conclude the that Nagel, I Contra subjectivity. our escape we can no more than lamentation escape we can thus, earnestness; its all in linger resolution continues to for desire but the Absurd, the with when confronted we laughter are in of point view, adetached out from we burst may HA: against Objection for resolution). desire our terminology, my (in desires and commitments of outside not our step permanently, or at least we cannot, because it does, perspective subjective the but from not does matter, Absurd the perspective, objective From an perspectives. these from viewed be itself but it can , and subjectivity between clash of the result the not is only Absurd words, other In the

Plant, 133. Plant, there is no tenable resolution to our ceaseless striving. ceaseless our to resolution tenable no is there that manifest it makes that perspective objective an exists there hand, other the on resolution; for characterization our in desire reflected is earnest it our denotes coin the of side Indeed, subjective the hand, one the on condition: absurd the of consideration. of worthy still is objectivity and jectivity Although the Nagelian notion of the Absurd has been debunked in Chapter 2, the dichotomy of sub of dichotomy the 2, Chapter in debunked been has Absurd the of notion Nagelian the Although In conclusion, the Frivolity Objection ought to be taken seriously. taken be ought to Objection conclusion,In Frivolity the at is stake integrity psychological Objection, Irrationality the in As or revolt. bemoaning existential than rather laughter comic with met be legitimately can futile and irresistible both are matter?’ life ‘Does and of life?’ meaning the is 58 59 This critique echoes the Frivolity Frivolity the echoes critique This

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135 Chapter 4 Chapter Objections against the humoristic disposition toward the Absurd 136

subject of the next chapter. next of the subject Absurdism’,the central is ‘Metamodern call I which disposition, modified This modification. desired the for suggestion preliminary a propose I constraints, present formal the within overambitious is disposition acomprehensive defense alternative of Although an Objection? Frivolity the prey to falling without Absurd, the toward adisposition in integrated be humorous responses To can extent what Absurdism. of Humoristic revision for a calls Objection Frivolity of the success the Thus, point. starting its to faithful remain to fails Absurdism words, other In resolution. Humoristic for desire earnest by the constituted is that Absurd ofdimension the

137 Chapter 4 Chapter

141 Chapter 5

Metamodern Absurdism

Nummer acht, everything is going to be alright be to going is everything acht, Nummer Guido van der Werve (2002), (2002), Werve der van Guido Metamodern Absurdism 142 to visualize in what in to visualize way Humoristic it should attempt be taken as afirst nature of defense; this essentially, important to emphasize the preliminary Absurdism (5.3). Nonetheless, it is facieas prima superior to Humoristic Absurdism Metamodern defend to order and relation in to the Absurd (5.2), in ‘Metamodernism’ its in right own (5.1) follows, out Iflesh the notion of it avoid the Frivolity Objection? In what justifiedand, mostimportantly, how does from Humoristic Absurdism? How is it Absurdism? In what way does it differ is the roleWhat of humor Metamodern in Metamodern Absurdism. is it? What is devoted to the conceptualization of the Frivolity Objection, chapter this which collapsed has under pressure by In substitution of Humoristic Absurdism,

naivety and the cynical insincerity of its antonymous bastard child.” bastard antonymous of its insincerity cynical the and naivety ideological of modernist acentury from resulting go “inertia beyond the to need the articulating postmodernism, of end the proclaimed others In is metamodernism? What 5.1. situations, asatragicomic phenomenon. as well asits manifestation absurd in condition, absurd the regard together which hand responses earnest to the Absurd, other the on and humorous hand one the commitment oscillatory to an pattern of on Metamodern Absurdism is definedthe as Absurdism be revised can for the better. 1 polarities pulsating the like operating ideas opposed diametrically with positions, between oscillation by of way enabled an be henceforth shall “Movement poles: to-and-fro two between swinging apendulum like structure, oscillatory an but has not is one of synthesis, disillusionment failure. doomed to is striving this that fashion, postmodern arather in acknowledging, while values, other or happiness justice, authenticity, in it whether be beauty,ultimacy, truth, of some kind toward striving modernist It the embraces one of synthesis. not though postmodernism, and between of marriage a kind advocates metamodernism self-chosenthe of postmodernism, successor

The Metamodernist Manifesto Metamodernist The org. Luke Turner, “The Metamodernist Manifesto,” Metamodernism, 2011, http://www.metamodernism. 2011, Metamodernism, Manifesto,” Metamodernist “The Turner, Luke The conjunction of modernist enthusiasm and postmodern postmodern and enthusiasm of modernist conjunction The (2011), British artist Luke Turner and and Turner Luke (2011), artist British 1 As As

143 Chapter 5 Chapter Metamodern Absurdism 144 6 5 4 3 2 powers of such irony: deconstructive neighbor…” Foster the novelist Wallace David acknowledges Metamodern but Years’ love Warfor nothing about: one’s was Thirty the what that’s because “Yeah, right, like: something would say ironist a postmodern neighbor’, thy about ‘loving been always has Christianity that claiming outcome. desired the as position of that incoherent, ill-foundedclearly with or false, it becomes by such defending it that aposition a in way mocks cynically of postmodernism. characteristic be to considered often is that disposition ironic of the for critique its at all, therein.” forth set boundaries the transcend to of attempt any futility the movement and all experience, to inherent and limitations “the acknowledging dichotomies, these of ever transcending possibility the of postulating naïveté the it resists Still, postmodernism. yet critical disillusioned and yet modernism ambitious naïve between oscillates metamodernism definitions: all in present remains dichotomy movement basic dichotomy, avery one to that central clear but it remains oscillatory reduce to its it refuses of metamodernism, articulations most techne.” and technology and political, the apathy, and personal the irony, and melancholy,and and hope as well as doubt, affect sincerity embrace “must artists and scholars metamodern structure, oscillatory world the action.” into propelling machine, electric of acolossal Turner.

cf. Claire Colebrook, “Irony: The New Critical Idiom,” Idiom,” Critical New The “Irony: Colebrook, Claire cf. Postmodern”; the and Theory “Comedy Pye, https://doi.org/10.1080/10570319909374653; 433–55, Strategy,” Rhetorical Subversive as Irony “Postmodern Shugart, A. Helene research. future in inquiry further demands and preliminary only is Absurdism Metamodern of defense this that mind in borne be to ought it Also, thinkers. metamodern by critiqued is that irony the of grasp ageneral with us provide to thin com/art-news/news/how-pomo-can-you-go-2108/. Linda Hutcheon, Hutcheon, Linda Manifesto.” Metamodernist “The Turner, You “How PoMo Can ?,”Go Levin, Kim This definition inevitably falls short of the complexity of postmodern irony, but remains sufficiently remains but irony, postmodern of complexity the of short falls inevitably definition This Furthermore, metamodernism is particularly known, when known when known known, particularly is metamodernism Furthermore, A Poetics of Postmodernism: History, Theory, Fiction Theory, History, Postmodernism: of A Poetics Western Journal of Communication of Journal Western ARTnews.Com 6 For example, in response to someone to For response in example, (blog), October 15, 2012, https://www.artnews. 2012, 15, October (blog), 5 London & New York: Routledge York: &New London Put briefly, postmodern irony 4 63, no. 4 (December 1, 1999): 1999): 1, 4(December no. 63, (Routledge, 2003). (Routledge, , 2004. 2 In its its In 3 In In

10 9 8 7 deconstruction: from results that deadlock postmodern the amidst seem, it may however positive, or sentimental naïve something construct to try a post-ironic artists envisions which in disposition, negativity, Wallace tyrannical its in of ironism untenability From the tyrannical: becomes ironists.” weary the all to naive and looksentimental they’ll because wrong, what’s redeeming toward of working about ways talk to try to dare “Few artists ironists: eyes of the in naïve look will or wrong unpleasant is what or ameliorate dowhat we do?” ‘then’ diagnosed, and revealed are irony diagnoses the unpleasant once and the debunked, are of art rules once problem the that is “The of position: lack apositive utter its negative outcome, deadlock, its wholly due, irony its its Wallace problematize continues to giving After

2012), 66–69. Stephen J. Burn, Burn, J. Stephen Burn, 48. Burn, 48. Burn, (original emphasis) David Foster Wallace, Wallace, Foster David emphasis) (original to strip off stuff’s mask and show the unpleasant reality behind it. behind reality unpleasant the show and mask stuff’s off strip to ways great are irony and parody, absurdism Sarcasm, “Sure.” father? fifties triumph? Ward always Cleaver is the prototypical virtuous The and duplicates. above andso them we hypocrisies see flaws the can up gets apart, things it splits that is irony about thing great The tool that exposed its enemy to insulate itself. insulate enemy to its exposed that tool subject the interdict to ability the rebel: irony, too-successful the of institutionalized oppressiveness the lies herein And or aprig. hysteric an like for up looking ends stands heactually what ironist an ask to gall heretical the with Anyone is, when exercised, tyranny. It is the new junta, using the very very the using junta, new It the is tyranny. exercised, when is, Conversations with David Foster Wallace Foster David with Conversations 8 Those suggesting positive action in other to restore other to in action positive suggesting Those 9 Thus, sincerity turns into a taboo; and ironism ironism and a taboo; into turns sincerity Thus, A Supposedly Fun Thing I’ll Never Do Again Do Never I’ll Thing Fun A Supposedly question (University Press of Mississippi, 2012), 48. 2012), Mississippi, of Press (University without attending to its its to attending without 10 (Hachette UK, (Hachette

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145 Chapter 5 Chapter Metamodern Absurdism 146 12 11 Lieutenant seriousness. and irony between oscillate artists and thinkers metamodern short, In earnest. and serious sincere, but often no ironic, less sometimes are that issues to responses of apattern disposition: metamodern the Iconsider what be is to this of post-irony intricacies many aside, the Leaving sincerity. with principles reverence instantiate endorse and to and emotions with and troubles treat order in detachment go to to ironic beyond the aims metamodernism Thus,

(transcript Verlag, 2016). (transcript Contemporary Fiction (my italicization) David Foster Wallace, “E Unibus Pluram: Television and US Fiction,” US and Fiction,” Television Pluram: “E Unibus Wallace, Foster David (my italicization) Lukas Hoffmann, Hoffmann, Lukas to endorse and instantiate single-entendre principles. single-entendre instantiate and to endorse watching, ironic from away back to somehow dare who oglers born of anti-rebels, bunch weird some emerge as well might country this in “rebels” literary real next The sex and drug use. But the film does much more than revel in its its in revel than more much does film the But use. drug and sex of over-the-top glorification deliciously and acting, bad plot, hokey a what contains film The consider movie For the of exemplification, sake the law. without imprisonment above ridicule and gaze fear who starers and a world by suckered of lurkers be to willingness Of softness. Of overcredulity. Of melodrama. of sentimentality, accusations To how“Oh banal”. risk the ironists, of gifted parody the ribs, nudged the smile, cool the eyes, rolled the yawn, the risk to willing […] artists be might disapproval. rebels new risk The see, I can as far as rebels, Real rebels. real next the be they’ll why that’s Maybe point. the be that’ll Maybe anachronistic. naive, quaint, Backward, page. on the Dead even started. they before of course, outdated, be would anti-rebels These . reverence and conviction with life U.S. in emotions and troubles human untrendy old plain , which Matthew Collins summarizes as follows: as summarizes Collins Matthew , which Postirony: The Nonfictional Literature of David Foster Wallace and Dave Eggers Dave and Wallace Foster David of Literature Nonfictional The Postirony: 13, no. 2 (1993): 192–93. 2(1993): no. 13, Snakes on aPlane on Snakes . Who eschew self-consciousness and hip hip and self-consciousness eschew . Who 12

who have the childish gall actually actually gall childish the have who Too sincere Too -style irony-fest should: irony-fest should: -style . Clearly repressed. repressed. . Clearly

Who treat of of treat Who 11 The Review of of Review The The Bad Bad The

14 13 adegree abandoning without engaging, emotionally or otherwise earnest sincere, something order in express to disposition, go ironic beyond the to attempt the is together thinkers and artists these binds What film. in Michel Anderson, Gondry, Spike July, Jonze, Miranda Kaufman and Charlie and Säde arts; in Rönkkö the fine Wes and Nastja Luke Turner Trojnarski, J. Angelika Thorpe, David Sant, Issa Lemsalu, Kris Kjartansson, Ragnar Kameric, Sejla Holden, Andy Hatoum, Mona Eliasson, Olafur Doepfner, Paula Daou, Annabel Danz, Mariechen Bonvicini, Monica Yael Bartana, Aminde, sphere; Ulf literary the in Smith Zadie and Murakami Haruki include Bolaño, DaveRoberto Metamodernism Franzen, Eggers, Jonathan or earnest. comical is image the ”. slapstick of absurdity physical meets melancholy “romantic alludes, film of the description the engagement. As earnest and detachment ironic between oscillation but not an he does pace up either, manifesting thus He not does stop, death. his would effectuate point that the away from ship, acouple enormous only of front of on an meters ice in walks man film short the In Werve. success”). “finding and corruption” problems relations”, (“race societal “police and personal engagement with (“gorgeously earnest and beauty shot”) attain asincere attempt to with balanced be can use”) drug and sex of glorification over-the-top deliciously and (“hokey how plot, motifs bad acting, ironic demonstrates This

Guido van der Werve, Werve, der van Guido https://georgetownvoice.com/2010/03/04/post-irony-is-real-and-so-what/. Matthew Collins, “Post-Irony Is Real, And So What?,” What?,” So And Real, Is “Post-Irony Collins, Matthew Other names that have been mentioned as part of the movement of the mentioned of have part been as that names Other der of van Guido oeuvre the is of metamodernism example Another America. in success finding of definition the and corruption police to relations race from on everything commentary incisive pervasive, contains history— campy genre’s 14 As viewers, we thus find ourselves unable to resolve whether whether resolve to unable ourselves find thus we viewers, As 13 Nummer Acht Nummer Nummer Acht Acht Nummer The Bad Lieutenant Bad The , 2002, http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3620758/., 2002, (“number eight”), for instance, a for instance, eight”), (“number The Georgetown Voice is gorgeously shot and and shot gorgeously is

(blog), March 4, 2010, 2010, 4, March (blog),

147 Chapter 5 Chapter Metamodern Absurdism 148 point of departure, of course, remains equivalent: life is equally absurd absurd equally is life equivalent: remains of course, point of departure, humor. and earnestness for balancing strategy aconcrete with us provide above presented does disposition postironic the but present mode of disposition, the humor in essential the necessarily sincere engagement”. irony not is with detachment course, Of “ironic combines Absurdism McDowell, by James Metamodern Metamodernism of definition the echoing Thus, engagement. serious and disengagement humorous between one which alternates in pattern, oscillatory an follows Absurd the toward disposition the Absurdism, Metamodern In a more in complex coexist dynamic. may they Absurd, the to response of impossibility the establishes This concern. emotional serious, suspends exclusive, for point of view, adetached humormutually demands which are object the engagement emotional with and object of an experience humorous the Objection, Frivolity of the discussion the have in seen we As gravity? combine humor with Absurdism How Metamodern does is Metamodern What Absurdism?5.2. Absurdism? Metamodern is what now ask: we can of metamodernism, understanding abasic With combined. engagement be humorous and disengagement can earnest which way in the concretizes really thinkers and mentioned artists post-ironic more, is the above- the What in motif Absurd. onoutlook the ahumorous amidst for need earnestness apressing is there Objection, Frivolity of the discussion we the have engagement. in seen As earnest and detachment ironic between for oscillation the movement, calling of form humor earnestness. and aparticular between oscillate words, they other In perspective. for more and objective a detached allows of irony that synthesis How, then, is it different from Humoristic Absurdism? The Absurdist Absurdist How, The Absurdism? Humoristic from it is different then, combined in be cannot earnestness humor and Although here. relevant is It acontemporary is why is metamodernism This . one one extremity will inevitably misrepresent the reality of human life.” of human reality the misrepresent inevitably will extremity dichotomy. “overemphasis Plant, metamodern Bob To on either with repeat either pole of the we weep, may laugh, may but we never should magnify We responses. earnest humorous and between alternation the dictates responses to humorous prescribes Absurdism Humoristic Whereas but quantitative. of humor not is qualitative, integration the Rather, regarding difference the disposition. Metamodern the in weakened not or otherwise suppressed Humor is Absurdism. of Humoristic responses the humorousless than no are Absurdism Metamodern in Absurd the to humorous responses the Furthermore, Absurdism. Metamodern and Humoristic to according 16 15 humorous between phenomenon, oscillation demands which a tragicomic Infinite Jest only in but his Especially alsoworks.innon-fictional writings, his literary not Absurdism, of Metamodern example prime the he embodies oeuvre, his of irony. critique For, metamodern the in advocate of central my reading in phenomenon. atragicomic as situations, absurd in manifestation its as well as condition, absurd the regard together which Absurd, the to responses earnest otherhand humorous on the one and hand the of on pattern oscillatory an to commitment the in consists Absurdism phenomenon. a tragicomic as situations, absurd in manifestation its well as as condition, absurd the views Absurdism Metamodern contendmay that comedy, and dichotomy of tragedy From this we side coin. of the comical the and tragic the both to justice does Absurd the toward disposition metamodern the disengagement, humorous and engagement earnest of Absurdism. form any for holds that guideline justificatory the of violation the words, or, Absurd of renunciation the the other to in amounts misrepresentation

Plant, “Absurdity, Incongruity and Laughter,” 131. Laughter,” and Incongruity “Absurdity, Plant, This ‘justificatory guideline’ refers to the principal criterion for Absurdism laid down in 2.5. in down laid Absurdism for criterion principal the to refers guideline’ ‘justificatory This It is by no means coincidental that I take David Foster a Wallace David as Itake that coincidental It by no is means Iconclude Metamodern mind, that in characteristics these With (1996) provides us with an extensive approach to the Absurd as as approach Absurd the extensive to an with us (1996) provides 16 all In its dual nature, revolving around the oscillation between between oscillation the around revolving nature, dual its In encounters with the Absurd, Metamodern Absurdism Absurdism Metamodern Absurd, the encounters with

15

This This

149 Chapter 5 Chapter Metamodern Absurdism 150 is notorious for winning tennis matches, not by means of physical or of physical not by means matches, tennis for notorious is winning though of course never in synthesis. Another character, pity, and it humorous evokes mirth both Eric Thus, comical. hauntingly Clipperton,my mind, in is, horrifying essentially at is what of pleasure thought unexpected This microwave: father, of suicide his active an alleged in head put the whoto had his comes home characters one central which of scene the in tragicomic the consider Absurd, of the experience metamodern the Regarding comical. that unison who note in critics, of its majority vast by the corroborated novel, further is which humorous of the dimension the suggests already merely title so. The not are they adoubt, tragic, without are, insatiability and dissatisfaction of notions overarching the and addictions these While starvation. and of sleep deprivation die ultimately and else everything in interest lose viewers all that so entertaining film a Entertainment”, “the called is what verge at to is the continent, which of succumbing North-American the importantly, most Yet, more. craving and dissatisfied repeatedly are we which in striving, cycle of renewed endless of eminent form the an is of course, Addiction, of addiction. some objects of are the marihuana and fame alcohol, sex, one of form to addiction: or another subject is character every and each In Absurd. of the experiences engaged emotionally and “ what?” kid, “Jesus, —” be out to turned thought come into a house. I it said my wasn’t unconscious myfault that first whenthey orthoughts reactions control unconscious over first their any or have choose can nobody I said happened. had what idea any have to expected be couldn’t and around hopping and carpet white on the down laundry-bag dirty the putting without off shoes my get to trying foyer the in still was and in came first I [“]When That something smelled delicious Infinite Jest Jest Infinite Infinite Jest Infinite Jest is about an entire society, spanning over society, entire spanning about an is is melancholic yet humorous, tragic yet yet tragic yet humorous, melancholic is !” I!” screamed. Infinite Jest Infinite ,

17 serious. dead Wallace, are by detail in described comedies, these behind realities psychological he were lose. to if head the in shoot himself to excellence, but by threatening strategic a prima facie example of the metamodern disposition toward the absurd condition. absurd the toward disposition metamodern the of example facie a prima Absurdism, Metamodern for candidate amere considered be should novel Wallace’s example, this of Since limited space prevents me from providing an in-depth analysis of the metamodern dimension dimension metamodern the of analysis in-depth an providing from me prevents space limited Since

17

These examples are all comical instances, though the the though instances, comical all are examples These

151 Chapter 5 Chapter Metamodern Absurdism 152 18 reality. and norm between incongruity insurmountable an as recognized way, is this Absurd In the be.” ought to they what and are, things what between difference the with struck is that weeps: animal for and only the he laughs is that animal only the is “Man remarks: strikingly Hazlitt William As of it. experience but the in object, not the in lies thus comic the and tragic the between difference The be. it what ought to from different quite is that a reality expose Tragedies norm. a of contradiction the in specifically, moreor, incongruity of an comedy, experience to the opposed in consist both they one in sense, is, tragedy Although Absurd. of the experience tragic the embraces disposition metamodern the experience, comical the to addition In incongruity. of an humor cognizance depends upon the all, After Absurd. of the nature upholds incongruous the Absurdism Metamodern Absurdism. of Humoristic modification apromising is Absurdism Metamodern short, In dynamic. oscillatory engagement an of emotional in post-ironiccountered by its adegree of of combination aform humor with is which Objection, Frivolity the to its to regard with Absurdism Humoristic to superior Absurd, the toward acoherentis disposition Absurdism Metamodern that present section the in I argue Absurdism, Metamodern namely alternative, defense the of and this conceptualization the incompleteness of both the Notwithstanding alternative. the against favor in or arguments of additional possibility leaves the open inevitably This Absurdism. of Humoristic rejection the after oneat alternative least of chapter, viability the of this we brevity must consider utmost purpose in orientative Given the Absurdism. Humoristic with comparison in and right own its paper, in of this Absurdism I defend limits the Metamodern within Without pretending to be able to put a forward comprehensive justification Defense Preliminary of5.3. Metamodern Absurdism

Hazlitt, “On Wit and Humour,” 1. and Wit “On Hazlitt, Of course, by sustaining the comical dimension of the Absurd, Absurd, of the dimension comical the by sustaining course, Of 18

without abandoning the irresolvable nature of the incongruity. After After incongruity. of the nature irresolvable the abandoning without Absurd brought about by the of frustration expression for such. It the as allows incongruity the lament to oneself allowing thereby congruity, toward strives which impulse, rational the some room to giving desires. self-deprecation. avoids it Thus, dissatisfied of reality the to regard with self-pity of amount healthy of tendency humor a and relativizing this between oscillates Absurdism Metamodern engagement, earnest and disengagement humorous between alternating through ability. addition, In of that proper valuation the is it rather, resolution; ultimate an find to ability our devalue not does structure oscillatory humorous of pole the The same. the roughly Absurd. up the makes that reality the recognizing thereby of dissolution, inevitability the outcome in mind thus inevitable the reflects This metamodern of striving of acceptance. asense facilitating followed thus by humorous enjoyment, be always will denial, involve may which initial lamentation, Similarly, followed be by disengagement. always however will diligent, striving, earnest that mind in one bears structure, oscillatory of the virtue In resolution? ultimate of absence an of the arecognition contain Absurdism the contradicts that reality the Absurd. of the experience metamodern either present mode of the as in recognized remains desire but the change, may desire of the valuation engagement, the emotional and detachment ironic between Byoscillating tragic. as Absurd of the experience the in but also presence of anorm, the needs which Absurd, humorous apprehension for the in desire not resolution, of of only the the the appel humain appel Metamodern Absurdism deals with the Irrationality Objection by Objection Irrationality the with deals Absurdism Metamodern remains response the Objection, Superiority the to regard With namely Absurd, holds of for the constituent other same the The words other in Absurd, of the constituent normative the Regarding , the metamodern disposition acknowledges the existence existence the acknowledges disposition metamodern , the appel humain appel . How does Metamodern Metamodern How. does as an incongruity an as

,

153 Chapter 5 Chapter Metamodern Absurdism 154 as a viable modification of Humoristic Absurdism. Absurdism. of Humoristic modification aviable as Absurdism, of Metamodern direction the in astrategy provided chapter has Hopefully, this Absurdism. of Humoristic rejection the continue after of how question to pressing rather, the chapter explores Absurdism; this been myto provide purpose a comprehensive forjustification Metamodern not incomplete. It quite is has presented defense the currently Admittedly, such, preferable it is Absurdism. As over Humoristic objections. all with for it. desire resolution demands innate our seriously, because It taken be afrivolity. ought to to condition absurd the never reducing while Absurd, of the experience by the emotions caused negative other and tensions and frustrations the relief from of comical moments with oneself provides one engagement, earnest and detachment humorous between amereas comedy, atragedy. as Byoscillating but also it not by portraying Absurd, of the gravity the acknowledges Absurd the toward disposition this Absurdism, Humoristic Unlike Objection? Frivolity of irresponsibility. ascription the bypasses then This commitment. of sense a responsible incorporates one simultaneously Absurd, the engagement one’s into toward disposition earnest by incorporating Moreover, urgent. is aboulder dodging that way notis the urgent in of continuation such striving the and swift be to tend experiences for humorous striving, committed impedes hardly momentquick of mirth engagement proactive a needed, is Where employed 4.3. those section in engagement. proactive no demands disposition metamodern the of form Absurdism, legitimate any like all, In conclusion, Metamodern Absurdism appears to be able to deal deal able to be to appears Absurdism conclusion,In Metamodern the with deal Absurdism howMetamodern does importantly, Most to similar countered by means is Objection Irresponsibility The 157 Chapter 6 Conclusion Conclusion 158 The fourth objection, unfortunately, could not be repudiated. In its full- its In not repudiated. could be unfortunately, objection, fourth The not prevent is to urgent so as momentbut abrief this of humorous mirth. for order desire in live our up resolution, to to striving, to oneself commit to Surely, condition. done vital be absurd about the can it remains that no engagement, proactive for needs nothing is there incongruity absurd the by reference that fact the to assessed was Objection Irresponsibility the point of view. Third, rationalistic the from incongruity to reaction apreferable be humor to seems solve.follow to Thus, tendency upon its we if were to impulse rational our we frustrate resolved, would only be cannot Absurd of the Moreover, incongruity. enjoy incongruity the since we not cannot does imply that forwe desire concluded congruity the that Objection, Irrationality the to response in ability. Second, of this valuation rather, proper the to it amounts undervaluation; not is an Absurdism, Humoristic in object risible the is which resolution, ultimate an find to ability of the valuation its object, its devalues humor sometimes Although object. its toward tendency or derogatory ahostile notneed manifest disposition humoristic the that by highlighting debunked was Objection, Superiority the objection, first The 4. Chapter in countered be could objections all not given, been had Absurdism Humoristic of justifications more and comprehensive reasons facie prima many phenomenon. Although acomical as situations, absurd in manifestation its well as as condition, absurd the regard which (i.e., Absurd, ahumorous the disposition) to of humorous responses apattern to commitment the as conceptualized ofchapter,was third thea resolution.In definitive Absurdism Humoristic between one’s indefinite desire forincongruity resolutionandthe absence the as 2 defended repression. Chapter from notion Absurd of the desires the related oftension-relief humorous amusement by lifting experiencer the to (norm), of of violation some provide degree may object and overperformed or the (reality) of violation subject underperforming the devalue may which reality, of) (the presentation and norm between of incongruity experience amusing the as defined was humor 1, Chapter In twist. metamodern a in Only its modified version succeed;Absurdism itdoes Humoristic needs of both Humoristic Absurdism and Metamodern Absurdism are needed, needed, are Absurdism Metamodern and Absurdism Humoristic of both examples artistic and literary of philosophical, studies Plant). Furthermore, (explicit Bob in Absurdism of Humoristic tradition philosophical the in well as as right own their in promising, most the are that accounts the Ihave discussed regard, comprehensive be to this in of trying Instead of interpretations. multiplicity would confer alone amind-boggling Camus to restriction a Even attention. little given been have Heideggerian) the (e.g., some Absurd notions of the risible, potentially Absurd the making an constitute all they while humor.in Furthermore, violated is underdeveloped ‘norm’ that notion the is particularly One state. ideal its away from miles still is art but the plausible path, most the be to Ihave followedof humor. Itake what art, of the present state From the workings psychophysiological the regarding obscure muchand remains conditions, sufficient and necessary both including humor,of structure formal up the inconclusive. makes what It unclear is inevitably is research conclusion debate, the of scholarly this of current humor philosophy in and inquiry. conclusion this to ahopeful with us yet, it provides just proven worth its not has candidate this phenomenon. Although atragicomic as situations, absurd in manifestation its well as as condition, absurd the regard together which Absurd, the to responses engaged emotionally hand other on the humorous and ofone on hand the pattern oscillatory an to commitment the in consists disposition This a candidate. as suggested was Absurdism Metamodern 5, Chapter In frivolity. fordesire by transcending resolution, the to justice doing also of humor asense while maintains that disposition a into Absurdism Humoristic we modify sought to Objection, Frivolity the of success of the seriously. Because taken be ought side, to which a tragic has Absurd the desire, own very our is constituent its Givenresolution. that for desire the of earnestness the renouncing thereby engagement, not emotional does demand that something afrivolity, as Absurd the it portrays frivolity; with fraught is Absurdism Humoristic form, blooded Due to widespread disagreement and uncertainty in the psychology psychology the in uncertainty and disagreement widespread to Due incongruity

, thus thus ,

159 Chapter 6 Chapter Conclusion 160 multiplicity of conceptualizations of the absurd condition, the possibility possibility the condition, absurd of the of conceptualizations multiplicity Given great condition. the existential of context the the in normativity and of value afrustration humor as problematize may Theory) Devaluation the (or,specifically, more Theory Superiority the and Absurd the of face the in mechanism of humor acoping as viability upon the light shed may for Relief Theory the not underestimated, should be trichotomy canonical the in Yet, or theories progressive. other the destructive it be of whether regardless relatives, theoretical its and Absurdism Humoristic of development the further to order in challenged and out fleshed be ‘ought’, a‘norm’ or an we should which have called constituents, of its one especially and role of incongruity, The Absurd. the to inherent is that of humor nature incongruous the by illuminating Absurd ofphilosophy the of humor the philosophy and the unites it conceptually because but also structure, of humor’s formal theory explanatory promising most the be out to it turned not because only of humorism, some degree incorporate that of Absurdism or other brands Absurdism Metamodern Absurdism, Humoristic into inquiries further in emphasis special given be should Theory Incongruity of humor philosophy paramount. is the into inquiry yet. just day the not carried has race, the in still while candidate, this that mind in borne find However, humor humorism. to and sympathetic themselves be it should that Absurdists those for out way a as Absurdism, Metamodern foundation of the lay to worthwhile been Humoristic certainly of it has Absurdism, modification a essentially is it As attention. preliminary given been only has Absurdism therefore, Metamodern Absurdism; Humoristic of possibility the to secondary been only has Absurdism substitutive the of tenability the Finally, omitted. been has Absurdists Metamodern and Humoristic specific of analysis in-depth document, this in space limited the and studies literary and art in expertise deficient paper,my present of outlook the philosophical Given the Absurd. topic of the the tackling thinkers metamodern the from humorists the orderin distinguish to In terms of future research, these points of discussion indicate that that indicate of discussion points these research, of future terms In

conceptualize it as the possible successor of postmodernism. successor possible the it as conceptualize order in to departments, philosophical in especially investigation, further needs infancy, its in being still Metamodernism, Finally, or Sartrean. Heideggerian such the as Absurd, of the philosophies rival these to regard with investigated be should Absurdism (and Metamodern) of Humoristic

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