Topic 4
Discuss the physiological changes that occur in humour, differentiating between laughter and silent appreciation of humour. How strong is the research evidence for these physiological changes?
Theories of humour
Perspective from the humanities
The humanities have been concerned with the nature of comedy and laughter. "Without laughter life on our planet would be intolerable" (Steven Allen, 1981) and the comedy had critics from ancient Greeks to present. Comedy relabels man's imperfection, leaves him more tolerant, and gives him the courage to face life. …
