Resources

Publications, links, and materials for scholars of philosophy and humor

Areas of Research

Our members explore a wide range of topics at the intersection of philosophy and humor.

Theories of Humor

Incongruity theory, superiority theory, relief theory, and contemporary philosophical accounts of what makes things funny.

Ethics of Humor

When is humor appropriate? Examining the moral dimensions of jokes, comedy, and comedic expression.

Humor and Emotions

The relationship between humor and emotional states, including joy, surprise, and the complex emotions elicited by comedy.

Social Functions of Humor

How humor functions in social contexts, builds communities, and shapes interpersonal relationships.

Humor and Cognition

The cognitive processes involved in getting jokes, appreciating wit, and the psychology of humor comprehension.

Comedy and Art

Philosophical questions about comedy as an art form, stand-up, comedic writing, and humor in other artistic media.

External Resources

  • PhilEvents

    Find our conference announcements and calls for papers on PhilEvents, the leading calendar for philosophy events worldwide.

  • PhilPapers

    A comprehensive index of philosophy research, including papers on philosophy of humor and related topics.

  • Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy: Humor

    An authoritative overview of philosophical theories of humor, including historical and contemporary perspectives.

  • Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy: Humor

    Another excellent resource for understanding the philosophy of humor, written for both scholars and general audiences.

For Students

Undergraduate Track

Our annual conference includes a dedicated undergraduate track. Students are welcome to submit work in all categories, and outstanding undergraduate work is eligible for the Zaldivar Award ($75).

Learn About Submissions

Getting Started

New to philosophy of humor? The Stanford Encyclopedia and Internet Encyclopedia entries linked above are excellent starting points. Consider attending our conference to meet scholars in the field!

Learn About LPS

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