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The Comprehension of Jokes

Graeme Ritchie

340 Pages
2018

The Comprehension of Jokes

A Cognitive Science Framework

Routledge

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The Comprehension of Jokes - Summary

"The Comprehension of Jokes" by Graeme Ritchie is a fascinating exploration into the cognitive processes behind understanding humor. This book provides a comprehensive framework that delves into the intricacies of joke comprehension, integrating concepts from philosophy, psychology, linguistics, and artificial intelligence. Ritchie offers a clear and coherent model that explains how people process and understand jokes, making it an essential read for anyone interested in the science of humor.

Key Ideas

1

Incongruity

One of the central ideas in "The Comprehension of Jokes" is the concept of incongruity. This refers to the unexpected or surprising elements in a joke that create humor. Ritchie explains how our brains detect these incongruities and how they contribute to the overall comedic effect.

2

Superiority

Another key idea explored in the book is the notion of superiority. This theory suggests that humor often arises from a sense of superiority over others. Ritchie discusses how jokes can play on social hierarchies and power dynamics, making us laugh at the expense of others.

3

Impropriety

The book also delves into the idea of impropriety, which involves breaking social norms or taboos. Ritchie examines how jokes that push boundaries or challenge societal expectations can be particularly funny.

FAQ's

"The Comprehension of Jokes" primarily focuses on the cognitive processes involved in understanding humor. It integrates concepts from various fields such as philosophy, psychology, linguistics, and artificial intelligence to provide a comprehensive framework for joke comprehension.

This book is beneficial for academics, students, and anyone interested in the science of humor. It offers valuable insights into the mechanics of humor, making it an essential read for those studying cognitive science or anyone curious about why jokes are funny.

Some key concepts discussed in the book include incongruity, which refers to the unexpected elements in a joke that create humor; superiority, which suggests that humor often arises from a sense of superiority over others; and impropriety, which involves breaking social norms or taboos to create comedic effect.

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