Superiority in Humor Theory

Abstract

In this article, I consider the standard interpretation of the superiority theory of humor attributed to Plato, Aristotle, and Hobbes, according to which the theory allegedly places feelings of superiority at the center of humor and comic amusement. The view that feelings of superiority are at the heart of all comic amusement is wildly implausible. Therefore textual evidence for the interpretation of Plato, Aristotle, or Hobbes as offering the superiority theory as an essentialist theory of humor is worth careful consideration. Through textual analysis I argue that not one of these three philosophers defends an essentialist theory of comic amusement. I also discuss the way various theories of humor relate to one another and the proper place of a superiority theory in humor theory in light of my analysis.

O humor em movimentos sociais: Criatividade e informalidade nas manifestações anti-austeridade em Portugal

“…Normalmente são consideradas três teorias do humor, que, dentro das ciências sociais, detêm diferentes pontos de foco (Tabacaru, 2015, p. 116;Anagondahalli e Khamis, 2014, p. 2;Kutz-Flamenbaum, 2014, p. 295;Sørensen, 2014;Foot & McCreaddie, 2006): a "teoria da superioridade", inicialmente formulada por Kant, que estipula que o riso resulta de relações de superioridade; a "teoria do alívio", desenvolvida por Freud e que vê o humor e o riso como tensões do indivíduo; e a "teoria da incongruência", associada a Platão, Aristóteles e Hobbes (Lintott, 2016), em que o discurso humorístico surge como algo que transgride determinada 'norma', sustentando-se a piada na compreensão das incoerências ali existentes. É natural, por outro lado, e segundo Foot & McCreaddie (2006), que nenhuma destas teorias explique o humor de forma isolada.…”

Laughing Back: A Phenomenological Study of Disability Humor Using Culturally Responsive Methodologies

“…The oldest theory of humor, superiority theory, was first articulated by Thomas Hobbes and posits that humor arises when people realize they are superior to another. Often, discussions of superiority theory overlook the fact that people may not only feel superior to others, but to themselves in the past, recognizing their own growth (Lintott, 2016). Superiority theory cannot account for situations in which people laugh at things they relate to rather than feel superior about (Bingham and Green, 2016).…”

“…Superiority theory should be understood as limited in that it does not attempt to explain all forms of humor. However, much of comedy is directed at the misfortune or ignorance of others, such as ridiculing politicians and their blunders (Lintott, 2016). Superiority theory cannot describe all humorous situations, but rather explains a kind of amusement people sometimes experience when they feel more competent than someone else or their former selves (Lintott, 2016).…”

“…However, much of comedy is directed at the misfortune or ignorance of others, such as ridiculing politicians and their blunders (Lintott, 2016). Superiority theory cannot describe all humorous situations, but rather explains a kind of amusement people sometimes experience when they feel more competent than someone else or their former selves (Lintott, 2016). Superiority humor can reinforce the dominance of those in higher social classes who have more political power by belittling those who have fewer resources.…”

“…Analysis of the content and context of the humor becomes central to understanding its function (Moran, 2003). Superiority theory does not attempt to distinguish between laughing at the foibles of others and laughing with them (Lintott, 2016). According to Plato, laughter at the ridiculous is tainted with the pain of malice, so there is a fine line between comedy and tragedy (Moran, 2003).…”