In this paper, I look behind the scary mask that humor can wear to consider humor\u2019s brighter side.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 In doing so, I focus on mirth and its ethical implications.\u00a0 The discussion proceeds as follows:\u00a0 (1) I begin with a discussion of \u2018humor\u2019.\u00a0 In this part of the paper, I address common theories of humor including Incongruity Theory, Social Signaling Theory, and Amusement Theory and work toward a suggestion for how mirth fits with humor.\u00a0 (2) I continue the discussion to talk more specifically about the relation of mirth and humor to highlight certain features of mirth.\u00a0 This section sets the stage for my discussion of Marc Chagall\u2019s work in Part (3).\u00a0 In Part (3), I consider some of Marc Chagall\u2019s writings about his life and several of his paintings highlighting especially his use of color and representations of animals.\u00a0 Chagall\u2019s comments about his general approach to life and painting come across as expressions prompted by a depth of wisdom and a generosity of attitude\u2014of lively good cheer, good-humoredness, or mirth.\u00a0 In the course of my discussion, I suggest that he accepts a kind of ethics of mirth, and, then, consider the implication that mirth is good in an ethical sense.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
In this paper, I look behind the scary mask that humor can wear to consider humor\u2019s brighter side.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 In doing so, I focus on mirth and its ethical implications.\u00a0 The discussion proceeds as follows:\u00a0 (1) I begin with a discussion … Continue reading