Georgetown philosopher Quill Rebecca Kukla discusses the intersection between philosophy and comedy, highlighting how both fields lack a specific topic and method. They explore the importance of space in stand-up comedy and the limitations of online education. The progression of comedy and philosophy over time is also examined, emphasizing the value of diverse perspectives and challenging norms. The chapter concludes by discussing the relationship between comedy and philosophy in creating impactful outcomes.
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Quick takeaways
Philosophy and comedy share similarities in denaturalizing norms and exploring new perspectives.
Philosophy and comedy progress by presenting fresh insights and questioning the status quo.
Challenging societal norms and offering unique perspectives is easier for those who deviate from the dominant norm in both philosophy and comedy.
Deep dives
The Similarities Between Philosophy and Comedy
Philosophy and comedy share similarities in terms of their open-endedness and lack of a fixed topic. They both aim to denaturalize norms and ideas, making the ordinary world seem extraordinary. Both require individuals to find good material and be immersed in the everyday world to generate new insights. While comedy seeks to bring out the truth through humor, philosophy aims to question our reality and inspire critical thinking. Both disciplines have progressed by discarding outdated approaches, opening up new questions, and enriching our understanding without necessarily reaching definitive truths.
Progress in Philosophy and Comedy
While philosophy doesn't make progress in the same way as science, it can still make significant advancements. Progress in philosophy is not about agreeing on answers, but rather about exploring new perspectives, refining approaches, and presenting truths that haven't been remarked upon before. Classic philosophical works are valued not for their definitive truths, but for their ability to shed new light on the world and inspire critical thinking. Similarly, in comedy, progress is achieved by offering fresh perspectives and surprising insights, presenting truths in a humorous and thought-provoking manner.
The Role of Perspective in Questioning Norms
Individuals with identities, social positions, and bodies that deviate from the dominant norm are well-positioned to denaturalize norms and ideas. Their unique perspectives provide fresh insights and allow them to question the underlying assumptions behind societal norms. These perspectives are crucial in both philosophy and comedy, as they can highlight the limitations of the dominant perspective and reveal new ways of looking at the world. While anyone can develop this skill, those who experience friction due to not fitting the norm are more naturally inclined to challenge and question the status quo.
The Embodied Nature of Philosophy and Comedy
Both philosophy and comedy involve embodied experiences that shape the way ideas are presented and received. Teaching philosophy or performing comedy requires an understanding of spatiality, pacing, and interactions with the audience. The physicality of the classroom or performance space influences the overall experience and impacts how ideas are communicated. The COVID-19 pandemic has posed unique challenges for both disciplines, as it disrupts the embodied nature of teaching and live performances. The physical interactions and spatial dynamics play a crucial role in creating meaningful engagements, and finding alternative ways to retain the essence of these disciplines is challenging.
Bojack Horseman as a Philosophical Text
The podcast episode discusses the class called 'Bojack Horseman and Philosophy' and why the show is seen as a philosophical text. The instructor explains that the class interprets the show as an existentialist text, with the characters grappling with fundamental existential questions. Each character represents a different perspective on finding meaning and value in life. The visuals and animation style also contribute to the philosophical exploration. The show allows for unresolved tensions and contradictions, creating a unique modality for doing philosophy. The instructor also addresses the role of author intentionality, stating that the meaning of the show is more about the product itself rather than the creators' intentions.
Comedy, Philosophy, and Breaking Boundaries
In this part of the podcast, the conversation shifts to the intersection of comedy and philosophy. The guest comedian discusses the challenges of getting an audience to move from their own perspectives to new insights and perspectives provided by comedy. They mention the importance of intentional discomfort in guiding the audience towards these new perspectives. The comedian also highlights the role of diversity in comedy writing rooms, where different perspectives lead to uncovering unexamined truths about the world. The discussion extends to gatekeeping in both comedy and philosophy, and the importance of pushing boundaries in these fields to create more inclusive and insightful content.
Philosophy isn't exactly a science; so what is it? In this fascinating interview, Georgetown philosopher Quill Rebecca Kukla argues that it's more like comedy than you might think, and explains what being an amateur competitive boxing has taught them about how to think.
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