

What's so bad about laughter?
Jun 24, 2021
Michelle Boulos-Walker, an Associate Professor at the University of Queensland and expert on Hannah Arendt's work, explores the philosophical dimensions of laughter. She discusses how laughter can transcend mere ridicule, serving as a transformative force in human interactions. The conversation delves into the duality of humor, the moral implications of toilet humor, and how laughter reveals deeper truths about pain and social dynamics. By connecting philosophical insights with real-life anecdotes, they highlight laughter's complex role in navigating ethical dilemmas and its historical significance.
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
1 2 3 4 5 6
Intro
00:00 • 2min
The Duality of Laughter
02:24 • 19min
The Humanity in Humor: Laughing at Our Commonalities
21:44 • 2min
Laughter and its Philosophical Implications in Arendt's Work
23:43 • 5min
The Interplay of Common Sense and Philosophical Reflection
28:32 • 2min
The Complexity of Laughter
30:42 • 23min