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When No Laughing Matter is No Laughing Matter: The Challenges in Developing a Cognitive Theory of Humor

Hochstein, Eric (2021) When No Laughing Matter is No Laughing Matter: The Challenges in Developing a Cognitive Theory of Humor. The Philosophy of Humor Yearbook, 2 (1). pp. 87-110.

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Abstract

This paper explores the current obstacles that a cognitive theory of humor faces. More specifically, I argue that the nebulous and ill-defined nature of humor makes it difficult to tell what counts as clear instances of, and deficits in, the phenomenon. Without getting clear on this, we cannot identify the underlying cognitive mechanisms responsible for humor. Moreover, being too quick to draw generalizations regarding the ubiquity of humor, or its uniqueness to humans, without substantially clarifying the phenomenon and its occurrences is not only unwise but can actually be a detriment to our study of the humor. As such, these sorts of claims must be resisted. I conclude the paper by pointing the way forward to addressing these obstacles.


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Item Type: Published Article or Volume
Creators:
CreatorsEmailORCID
Hochstein, Ericehochstein@uvic.ca
Keywords: Cognitive Theory of Humor; Humor appreciation; Humor comprehension; Cognitive Mechanisms; Humor Mechanism
Subjects: Specific Sciences > Neuroscience > Cognitive Neuroscience
Specific Sciences > Cognitive Science
General Issues > Philosophers of Science
Specific Sciences > Psychology
Depositing User: Dr. Eric Hochstein
Date Deposited: 12 Dec 2021 01:06
Last Modified: 12 Dec 2021 01:06
Item ID: 19573
Journal or Publication Title: The Philosophy of Humor Yearbook
Publisher: De Gruyter
Official URL: https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1515/phh...
DOI or Unique Handle: 10.1515/-005
Subjects: Specific Sciences > Neuroscience > Cognitive Neuroscience
Specific Sciences > Cognitive Science
General Issues > Philosophers of Science
Specific Sciences > Psychology
Date: 10 December 2021
Page Range: pp. 87-110
Volume: 2
Number: 1
URI: https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/19573

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