“And now for something completely different”: Why do surprises provoke laughter?

Henri Bergson's "Laughter" delves into the nature of comedy, exploring its social function and the mechanisms that trigger laughter. Bergson argues that laughter arises from the disruption of our expectations and the perception of mechanical behavior in situations where we expect human spontaneity. He emphasizes the social aspect of laughter, suggesting it serves to restore social norms and expectations. The book analyzes various comedic forms, highlighting the role of surprise and the unexpected in generating humor. Bergson's work remains influential in the study of comedy and its relationship to human behavior and social dynamics.