Publications
Academic publications featuring work from Lighthearted Philosophers' Society members
Florida Philosophical Review
Volume XV, Issue 1 — Winter 2015
Members of the Lighthearted Philosophers' Society have been featured in a special edition of the Florida Philosophical Review, a peer-reviewed academic journal dedicated to publishing high-quality philosophical work.
This special edition brings together diverse perspectives on humor philosophy, featuring papers that explore theoretical questions about the nature of humor, its social and ethical dimensions, and its relationship to other philosophical domains.
Read the Special Issue
Publication Opportunities
Conference Papers
Papers presented at our annual conference may be considered for publication in academic journals. Outstanding submissions receive the Joseph S. Ellin Memorial Essay Prize.
Special Issues
We periodically collaborate with academic journals on special issues dedicated to philosophy of humor. Watch our news page for announcements.
Book Contributions
Our members have contributed to edited volumes on humor philosophy. The society can help connect scholars for collaborative projects.
Notable Books by Members
In on the Joke: The Ethics of Humor and Comedy
De Gruyter, 2024
A sophisticated approach to joke ethics, arguing that permissibility depends on the joke, the teller, the audience, and the setting.
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Isn't that Clever: A Philosophical Account of Humor and Comedy
Routledge, 2018
A new "cleverness account" of humor, defining it as intentional conspicuous acts of playful cleverness.
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Humor and the Common Good: Why Humor Is Important for the Good Life
De Gruyter, 2025
Explores humor as a public good that promotes the health and well-being of society and its individual members.
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Thinking Through Memes: Understanding How Memes Work
Palgrave Macmillan, 2026
An interdisciplinary anthology exploring the cultural, ethical, philosophical, and societal influence of memes.
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A Philosopher Looks at the Sense of Humor
Healing Time Books, 2013
A comprehensive philosophical examination of what it means to have a sense of humor and its role in human life.
View BookPraxis, Poems, and Punchlines: Essays in Honor of Richard C. Richards
Lighthearted Philosophers' Society, 2022
A festschrift celebrating the work of Richard C. Richards, featuring essays from members of the Lighthearted Philosophers' Society.
Download PDFInterested in Publishing?
If you're interested in publishing your work on philosophy of humor, we encourage you to:
- Submit a paper to our annual conference
- Connect with other scholars at our events
- Watch for announcements about special issues and edited volumes
- Reach out to the society for guidance on publication venues
Our community is supportive and collaborative. Members are often happy to provide feedback on work in progress and share information about publication opportunities.
Join Our Scholarly Community
Connect with fellow scholars and contribute to the growing field of humor philosophy.