The philosophy of the funny

Deposited with permission of the author. © 2010 Rory Wood-IngramThis thesis examines comedy and humour as they are seen in everyday life, and contends that they play a unique role in forming our outlook on the world. There is nothing quite like humour: it requires seriousness but it is silly; it uses rational constructs but creates something irrational; it seems to make fun of things which paradoxically we end up caring about even more. Through an exploration of the different ways comedy and humour are used, both in everyday life and popular entertainment, this thesis aims to determine the value of having a sense of humour. It proposes that through an active participation in making fun – of ourselves, of each other and of the world – we realise a potential path to enlightenment. The forms that comedy takes in our lives are numerous and varied. We consume comedy regularly from major entertainment producers. We comment upon events in the world between ourselves, often looking for a humorous angle. We gather at social events and parties and engage in very structured activities of comic free-styling. Amongst friends and family, we relentlessly “take the piss” out of each other, sending up each other’s pretentions and identities in a ruthless comic game. Our sense of humour is wedded to each of these pastimes. Through an active participation in comedy our sense of humour grows and matures, enabling us to cope better with whatever life might have in store for us. We are better equipped for dealing with the ongoing comic games we encounter in everyday life, which function as very real capability and aptitude tests. We are better equipped for dealing with whatever disaster may befall us next, for seeing the funny side of it. We are even better equipped for dealing with the imminent spectre of death, wherever it may lay its hand. Being able to recognise the logic and manifestations of comedy is a vital tool for engaging with life. This thesis argues that we should actively better our comic skills wherever appropriate and take time out from seriousness every now and then