Episode #145 - Henri Bergson Pt. 1 - History
Henri Bergson
In this episode, the show explores Henri Bergson’s essay Laughter, focusing on the philosophical roots of why humans laugh and what laughter reveals about society. It begins by questioning whether laughter truly reflects happiness and moves into a discussion of historical theories—like superiority, relief, and incongruity—each offering different explanations for humor. Bergson challenges these traditional views by suggesting that laughter arises when something mechanical disrupts the natural fluidity of human behavior, arguing that the comic is deeply tied to social life and human experience. He blends elements from past theories into a broader, more dynamic perspective, suggesting that laughter isn’t just emotional release or superiority—it’s also a subtle tool we use to regulate cultural norms and challenge rigidity in ourselves and others. The episode sets up a deeper dive into Bergson’s ideas in part two, teasing future connections to time, process philosophy, and the nature of change.
Further Reading:
Laughter: An Essay on the Meaning of the Comic – Henri Bergson (1900)
The Philosophy of Laughter and Humor – John Morreall (1987)
Comic Relief: A Comprehensive Philosophy of Humor – John Morreall (2009)
See the full transcript here.
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