Redeeming Laughter: The Comic Dimension of Human Experience

Peter L. Berger

Published by De Gruyter 2014

Redeeming Laughter

The Comic Dimension of Human Experience

Peter L. Berger

https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110354003

Overview
Contents

About this book

Amid the variety of human experiences, the comic occupies a distinctive place. It is simultaneously ubiquitous, relative, and fragile. In this book, Peter L. Berger reflects on the nature of the comic and its relationship to other human experiences. Berger contends that the comic is an integral aspect of human life, yet one that must be approached and analyzed circumspectly and circuitously. Beginning with an exploration of the anatomy of the comic, Berger addresses humor in philosophy, physiology, psychology, and the social sciences before turning to a discussion of different types of comedy and finally suggesting a theology of the comic in terms of its relationship to folly, redemption, and transcendence. Along the way, the reader is treated to a variety of jokes on a variety of topics, with particular emphasis on humor and its relationship to religion. Originally published in 1997, the second edition includes a new preface reflecting on Berger’s work in the intervening years, particularly on the relationship between humor and modernity.

Author / Editor information

Peter L. Berger, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA.

Topics

Frontmatter Publicly Available Download PDF	i
Overview Publicly Available Download PDF	v
Preface Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	vii
Prefatory Remarks, Self-Serving Explanations, and Unsolicited Compliments Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	xiii
Prologue Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	xvii
Part I: Anatomy of the Comic
1. The Comic Intrusion Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	3
2. Philosophers of the Comic, and the Comedy of Philosophy Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	15
3. Laughing Monks: A Very Brief Sinitic Interlude Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	37
4. Homo Ridens: Physiology and Psychology Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	42
5. Homo Ridiculus: Social Constructions of the Comic Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	61
6. Interlude: Brief Reflections on Jewish Humor Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	82
Part II: Comic Forms of Expression
7. The Comic as Diversion: Benign Humor Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	93
8. The Comic as Consolation: Tragicomedy Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	110
9. The Comic as Game of Intellect: Wit Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	126
10. The Comic as Weapon: Satire Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	146
11. Interlude: The Eternal Return of Folly Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	162
Part III: Toward a Theology of the Comic
12. The Folly of Redemption Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	173
13. Interlude: On Grim Theologians Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	183
14. The Comic as a Signal of Transcendence Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	190
Epilogue Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	201

(Deutsch)

Language: English
Publisher: De Gruyter
Edition: 2nd ed.
Audience: Academics, Institutes, Librabries.
Pages
- Front matter: 21
- Main content: 201
Keywords: Religion; Humor; Modernity; Sociology

eBook

Published: October 14, 2014
ISBN: 9783110354003

Hardcover

Published: August 28, 2014
ISBN: 9783110353938