Wisecracks : humor and morality in everyday life / David Shoemaker.
| Author/creator | Shoemaker, David, 1964- author. |
| Format | Book |
| Publication | Chicago [Illinois] ; London [England] : The University of Chicago Press, 2024. |
| Copyright Date | ©2024 |
| Description | 244 pages : black and white illustrations ; 24 cm |
| Subjects |
| Contents | Introduction -- Part one. Humor, morality, and the relations between them: "You had to be there!" : the nature of humor ; "That's just not funny!" : how morality does (and doesn't) bear on humor -- Part two. Morally troublesome wisecracks : a guided tour: "Back when I was in 'Nam..." : deceptive wisecracks ; "Lay off!" : mockery, misfortune, and meanness ; "Somebody ought to throw those boys a basketball!" : stereotyping humor -- Part three. Finding funny: "I feel your hilarious pain" : flawed senses of humor, flawed senses of morality ; "Always look on the bright side of death" : how and why to find the funny in pain and tragedy -- Conclusion. |
| Abstract | "Humor enriches our lives, but it can also raise moral trouble. Is humor that relies on deception, maliciousness, or stereotyping always immoral? Does motive matter in determining the moral value of a joke? Why are certain topics out of bounds for humor? In 'Wisecracks,' philosopher David Shoemaker delves into the fascinating relationship between humor and morality in our everyday lives. In this book, Shoemaker sets aside the crafted forms of humor we find in comedy specials, TV skits, and more and focuses on the informal, improvised wit that occurs in interpersonal relationships-such as teasing, mockery, and pranks-known as wisecracks. The key difference between wisecracks and jokes? Jokes are told, whereas wisecracks are made. Sometimes wisecracks involve lying, sometimes they are mean, and sometimes they play on racial or sexual stereotypes. Shoemaker untangles the intricate threads of when and why these immoral qualities are or aren't acceptable in humor. In showing how a well-developed sense of morality is central to a good sense of humor (and how to develop each), Wisecracks makes the case for how humor can heal, even when it takes a hurtful form."-- Provided by publisher. |
| Abstract | "A philosopher's case for the importance of good--if ethically questionable--humor. A good sense of humor is key to the good life, but a joke taken too far can get anyone into trouble. Where to draw the line is not as simple as it may seem. After all, even the most innocent quips between friends rely on deception, sarcasm, and stereotypes and often run the risk of disrespect, meanness, and harm. How do we face this dilemma without taking ourselves too seriously? In 'Wisecracks,' philosopher David Shoemaker examines this interplay between humor and morality and ultimately argues that even morally suspect humor is an essential part of ethical life. Shoemaker shows how improvised 'wisecracks' between family and friends--unlike scripted stand-up, sketches, or serials--help us develop a critical human skill: the ability to carry on and find the funny in tragedy. In developing a new ethics of humor in defense of questionable gibes, 'Wisecracks' offers a powerful case for humor as a healing presence in human life."-- Publisher's website, viewed on July 3, 2024. |
| Bibliography note | Includes bibliographical references and index. |
| LCCN | 2023033210 |
| ISBN | 9780226832968 (hardcover) |
| ISBN | 0226832961 (hardcover) |
| ISBN | 9780226832982 (paperback) |
| ISBN | 0226832988 (paperback) |
| ISBN | (e-book) |
Availability
| Library | Location | Call Number | Status | Item Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joyner | General Stacks | PN6147 .S46 2024 | ✔ Available | Place Hold |