One theory I read (reported by Ayn Rand but accredited to an acquaintance) is that humour is when somebody's perception of reality is undercut. So for instance, someone walking down the street and slipping on a banana isn't funny, but if the person was walking with great dignity/purpose/ostentation, some sort of VIP, then it's funny. Because their perception of reality and their opinion of themselves is at odds with their swift fall from grace.
I think this might be right. When I make people laugh it's usually by giving the impression that I fundamentally misunderstand some fact of reality (or that I perceive myself differently to others).
When we physically laugh it's like a short circuit of one perception of reality breaking through from another.
I think this might be right. When I make people laugh it's usually by giving the impression that I fundamentally misunderstand some fact of reality (or that I perceive myself differently to others).
When we physically laugh it's like a short circuit of one perception of reality breaking through from another.