A complete archive of our annual gatherings of lighthearted scholars since 2007
Intercontinental Hotel, New Orleans, LA
Featured an Author Meets Critics session on Wilk and Gimbel's In On the Joke: The Ethics of Humor and Comedy, panel discussions, and debates on topics including universal funniness and Dave Chappelle.
View Program (PDF)Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, FL
Hosted at the Crawford Building, 7th floor. Featured a panel on Jorge Portilla's Fenomenological del relajo and a debate on whether humor is essentially healing or combative. Organizers: Sophia A. Stone (Lynn University), Andrew Aberdein (Florida Institute of Technology), and Thomas Brommage (Sam Houston State University).
View Program (PDF)Glacier National Park, MT
A stunning natural setting for philosophical discussions on humor. The conference brought scholars together in the majestic Montana wilderness.
View Program (PDF)Details unavailable
Conference details and program for this year are currently unavailable in our archives.
St. Petersburg College, St. Petersburg, FL
A return to in-person gatherings following the virtual 14th conference. The Society returned to its Florida roots at St. Petersburg College.
View Program (PDF)Online Conference (Zoom)
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the conference transitioned to a virtual format, demonstrating that philosophical humor transcends physical boundaries. The Society successfully adapted to bring scholars together online.
View Program (PDF)The Menger Hotel, San Antonio, TX
Historic venue at 204 Alamo Plaza, adjacent to the Alamo. The Victorian elegance of the Menger Hotel provided a unique and memorable setting. Organizer: Elizabeth Victor (William Paterson University of New Jersey).
View Program (PDF)Santa Barbara City College, Santa Barbara, CA
The conference headed to the West Coast for the first time, bringing lighthearted philosophy to sunny California.
View Program (PDF)Dolphin Beach Resort, Saint Petersburg, FL
A return to our Florida roots! The beachside location provided a relaxed atmosphere perfect for lighthearted philosophical discussions. Organizer: Elizabeth Victor.
View Program (PDF)Hilton Garden Inn, St. Augustine Beach, FL
10th Anniversary Celebration! A decade of lighthearted philosophy! The Society celebrated this milestone at the historic St. Augustine Beach.
View Program (PDF)Embassy Suites Resort & Spa, Deerfield Beach, FL
The conference continued its tradition of gathering at Florida resort locations, bringing together scholars for another year of humorous philosophical inquiry.
View Program (PDF)Hilton Galveston Island Resort Hotel, Galveston, TX
The first conference held outside of Florida! The Society ventured to Texas for the first time. Organizer: Thomas Brommage.
View Program (PDF)Thunderbird Beach Resort Hotel, Treasure Island, FL
Continuing the tradition at the beloved Thunderbird Beach Resort, the conference brought together another year of scholars dedicated to the philosophy of humor.
View Program (PDF)Thunderbird Beach Resort Hotel, Treasure Island, FL
The Society continued to grow, establishing the Thunderbird Beach Resort as a regular home for lighthearted philosophical inquiry.
View Program (PDF)Thunderbird Resort, Treasure Island, FL
Five years of lighthearted philosophy! The conference continued to attract scholars interested in both humorous philosophy and the philosophy of humor. Organizer: Dave Monroe.
View Program (PDF)Thunderbird Beach Resort Hotel, Treasure Island, FL
The conference moved to the beautiful Treasure Island location, beginning a multi-year tradition at the Thunderbird Beach Resort. Organizer: Dave Monroe.
View Program (PDF)Holiday Inn SunSpree Resort Marina Cove, St. Petersburg, FL
The Society's growing reputation attracted more scholars, and the conference format continued to develop its distinctive character. Organizer: Dave Monroe.
View Program (PDF)St. Petersburg College (Gibbs Campus Library), St. Petersburg, FL
The second gathering expanded on the success of the first, moving to an academic venue while maintaining the lighthearted spirit. Organizer: Dave Monroe.
View Program (PDF)Bishop Tavern, St. Petersburg, FL
Where it all began! Dave Monroe and a group of like-minded scholars held the first official conference of the Lighthearted Philosophers' Society. What started as a spoof conference for funny papers would grow into a respected academic organization. Organizer: Dave Monroe.
View Program (PDF)From our humble beginnings at a St. Petersburg bar to international recognition, here are some memorable moments from our conferences.
From traditional papers to short performances, debates, and Author Meets Critics sessions, our conferences feature a variety of formats that bring humor philosophy to life.
Scholars from across the nation and around the world have joined us to share their work on humor and philosophy, from California to Lithuania.
Many attendees return year after year, creating a tight-knit community of scholars who share a love of philosophy and laughter.
Be part of our continuing tradition of lighthearted scholarship.