16 The Good, The Bad, and The Funny: An Ethics of Humor (2020)

This essay asks us to consider the ethical implications of humor. Tracing humor’s history from ancient times to the present, John Morreall develops a theory of humor as a type of play that allows us to escape the serious business of existence. From this theory, Morreall develops arguments about the negative ethics of humor–when we should not joke–as well as the positive ethics of humor–why joking is important and even admirable. As you read this essay, consider whether you can apply its rules about ethics and whether you agree with his claims about humor’s benefits.

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