Your Brain On Your Brain On... Comedy
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May 8, 2024 This podcast explores the science of humor, discussing evolutionary origins and therapeutic benefits. Topics include the benign violation theory, using humor for therapy, involuntary laughter disorders, and comedy as a tool for communication and growth. Guests discuss the role of comedy in finding shared understanding, coping with life's challenges, breaking repression, and pushing societal boundaries.
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Laughter's Origins
- Laughter predates language, indicating it's innate and likely predates complex language systems.
- It's a universal, rhythmic expulsion of air, not always a response to humor.
Laughter as a Safety Signal
- Laughter signals safety, countering our fight-or-flight response.
- It reassures us and others that unfamiliar situations aren't necessarily dangerous.
Humor's Evolutionary Role
- Humor likely emerged to signal non-threats, crucial for play-fighting and tickling in mammals.
- With human culture, humor expanded to address threats to our worldview, beliefs, and social norms.