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Wisecracks
Humor and Morality in Everyday Life
Brief Description
A philosopher's case for the importance of good—if ethically questionable—humour. A good sense of humour is key to the good life, but a joke taken too far can get anyone into trouble. Where to draw the line is not as simple as it may seem. After...
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Description
A philosopher's case for the importance of good—if ethically questionable—humour.
A good sense of humour is key to the good life, but a joke taken too far can get anyone into trouble. Where to draw the line is not as simple as it may seem. After all, even the most innocent quips between friends rely on deception, sarcasm, and stereotypes and often run the risk of disrespect, meanness, and harm. How do we face this dilemma without taking ourselves too seriously?
In Wisecracks, philosopher David Shoemaker examines this interplay between humour and morality and ultimately argues that even morally suspect humour is an essential part of ethical life. Shoemaker shows how improvised "wisecracks" between family and friends—unlike scripted stand-up, sketches, or serials—help us develop a critical human skill: the ability to carry on and find the funny in tragedy.
In developing a new ethics of humour in defence of questionable gibes, Wisecracks offers a powerful case for humour as a healing presence in human life.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9780226832982
Publisher: The University of Chicago Press
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 01 May 2024
Country: United States
Imprint: University of Chicago Press
Illustration: 3 halftones
Audience: Professional and scholarly
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 15.0mm
Width: 152.0mm
Height: 229.0mm
Weight: 340g
Pages: 256
About the Author
David Shoemaker is professor of philosophy at Cornell University. He is the author of two books including Responsibility from the Margins.
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