Module #1 Introduction to Theories of Humor Overview of the course, exploring the importance of humor in human experience and the various philosophical approaches to understanding it.
Module #2 The Superiority Theory:Hobbes and Plato Examination of Thomas Hobbes and Platos views on humor as a form of superiority and intellectual distance.
Module #3 The Incongruity Theory:Kant and Schopenhauer Analysis of Immanuel Kants and Arthur Schopenhauers ideas on humor as a response to incongruity and the absurd.
Module #4 The Relief Theory:Freud and the Psychoanalytic Perspective Exploration of Sigmund Freuds theory of humor as a mechanism for releasing pent-up energy and the psychoanalytic understanding of humor.
Module #5 The Play Theory:Huizinga and the Nature of Play Discussion of Johan Huizingas concept of play and its relationship to humor, creativity, and human behavior.
Module #6 The Arousal Theory:Berlyne and the Psychology of Humor Examination of Daniel Berlynes arousal theory of humor, highlighting the role of uncertainty and stimulation in humor.
Module #7 The Anthropological Perspective:Humor Across Cultures Investigation of humor as a cultural phenomenon, exploring the diverse forms and functions of humor across cultures.
Module #8 The Evolutionary Perspective:Humor as Adaptive Function Analysis of humor as an evolutionary adaptation, discussing its possible roles in mate selection, social bonding, and group cohesion.
Module #9 The Neuroscience of Humor:Brain Structure and Function Overview of the neural mechanisms underlying humor, including the role of dopamine, endorphins, and brain regions such as the amygdala and prefrontal cortex.
Module #10 Humor and Emotions:A Philosophical Exploration Examination of the complex relationships between humor and emotions, including the role of irony, satire, and absurdity.
Module #11 The Ethics of Humor:Morality, Offense, and Tolerance Discussion of the ethical implications of humor, including the limits of free speech, political correctness, and the ethics of ridicule.
Module #12 Humor and Identity:Race, Gender, and Power Analysis of how humor intersects with social identity, exploring the uses and abuses of humor in relation to race, gender, and power dynamics.
Module #13 The History of Humor:From Ancient Greece to Modernity Survey of the historical development of humor, from Aristophanes to contemporary forms of comedy and satire.
Module #14 Philosophical Humor:Aristotle, Voltaire, and Wittgenstein Examination of the philosophical writings and humor of key figures, including Aristotle, Voltaire, and Ludwig Wittgenstein.
Module #15 Humor and Aesthetics:The Role of Irony and Satire Investigation of the aesthetic dimensions of humor, exploring the uses of irony and satire in art, literature, and culture.
Module #16 Humor and Culture:The Sociology of Comedy Discussion of the social and cultural contexts of humor, examining the role of comedy in shaping and reflecting cultural values.
Module #17 Humor and Politics:Satire, Propaganda, and Resistance Analysis of the complex relationships between humor and politics, including the uses of satire, propaganda, and humor as a form of resistance.
Module #18 Humor and Technology:The Digital Age of Comedy Exploration of the impact of digital technology on humor, including the rise of memes, online comedy, and social media satire.
Module #19 Humor and Education:Laughter, Learning, and the Classroom Investigation of the role of humor in education, examining its effects on student engagement, motivation, and learning outcomes.
Module #20 Humor and Therapy:Laughter, Healing, and Well-being Discussion of the therapeutic applications of humor, including its role in stress relief, pain management, and mental health.
Module #21 Humor and Morality:The Ethics of Laughter Examination of the moral implications of humor, exploring the tensions between humor and moral judgment.
Module #22 Humor and Embodiment:The Body, Emotions, and Laughter Analysis of the embodied dimensions of humor, exploring the relationships between the body, emotions, and laughter.
Module #23 Humor and Power:Resistance, Subversion, and Social Change Investigation of the ways in which humor can be used to challenge and subvert power structures, exploring its role in social and political change.
Module #24 Humor and Absurdity:The Philosophy of the Absurd Examination of the concept of absurdity and its relationship to humor, exploring the works of philosophers such as Albert Camus and Emil Cioran.
Module #25 Course Wrap-Up & Conclusion Planning next steps in Theories of Humor in Philosophy career
