A Distance Theory of Humour

Abstract

I propose to offer a programmatic theory-sketch of a new theory of humor, pitched at roughly the same level of detail, and intended to have roughly the same level of inclusiveness, as the other available philosophical “theories” of humor. I will call the theory I propose the distance theory. After an appeal to some intuitive illustrations of the distance theory’s attractions, I move on to offer an analysis of observational comedy using the distance theory. I conclude the paper with some speculative remarks about the possible connections between the practice of observational comedy and the discipline of philosophy.

Keywords: comedy, humor, aesthetics