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Is there a theory of humor which explains why theories of humor are invariably hilariously inadaquate?
by lupusreal 2y ago
Is there a theory of humor which explains why theories of humor are invariably hilariously inadaquate?
- 082349872349872 2y agoSome activities are highly theoretical: you learn the principles of operation, and maybe how they break down into elements, practice briefly, and then execute at a high level. Other activities are highly practical: you can learn the theory via a brief rundown, but executing at a high level takes years to decades of practice. My theory of theory of humour is that humour is in the latter category.
- namaria 2y agoMost likely humor is just not one thing but many and seeking a unifying theory about something that isn't a unity won't yield anything.
- lee-rhapsody 2y agoThis is the most useful comment in the whole thread.
- RhysU 2y agoNo, any consist theory of humor cannot explain all humor. Gerbils' Incompleteness Theorem.
- aithrowawaycomm 2y agoIt's kinda like music theory - if you're already a talented composer, music theory helps clarify a few technical mysteries and sheds light on other composers' work. But it tells you nothing about creating interesting music, and it's typically apparent when a composer writes according to theory rather than according to their own ears. Likewise I think some sophisticated humorists would benefit from reading philosophies of satire, psychology of slapstick, etc, to help hone their craft. But those are not how-to guides.
- ZeroGravitas 2y ago> Explaining a joke is like dissecting a frog. You understand it better but the frog dies in the process