Speaker: Robert R. Clewis (Gwynedd Mercy University)

Title: Does Kant Really Have an Account of  Humour?

Scheduled date: 8 June 2022, 5pm (BST)

Chair: Hans Maes (University of Kent)

Abstract:

Kant’s thoughts on humour in section §54 of the third Critique can be viewed as part of his aesthetics: his view of laughter at humour can be interpreted in terms of his notion of a “free play” of the mental powers. I explain some of sources and development of his thoughts on humour, as well as why he thinks that creating humour would be only an agreeable art rather than a fine art. Kant combines elements of incongruity, superiority, and release theories. While responding to other authors such as Mendelssohn, Hobbes, and Shaftesbury, Kant adds his own, more original, thoughts about humour by appealing to his theory of a free play between imagination and understanding. Once Kant begins to understand aesthetic responses in terms of a harmonious free play, it puts him in a position to connect humour to his wider aesthetic theory. I argue that Kant therefore has an account of humour, and I respond to some recent criticisms or discussions of this thesis. (There will also be some Kant jokes.)

Zoom link:

Hans Maes (he/him/his) is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Virtual Summer Aesthetics Festival: Robert R. Clewis

Time: Jun 8, 2022 05:00 PM London
Join Zoom Meeting

https://kent-ac-uk.zoom.us/j/97074869488?pwd=ZWhzVEhHYmduWVRjMSttaEpham9wUT09

Meeting ID: 970 7486 9488
Passcode: 083031

One tap mobile

+13126266799,,97074869488#,,,,*083031# US (Chicago)
+13462487799,,97074869488#,,,,*083031# US (Houston)
        +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
        +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
        +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
        +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
        +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
        +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
Meeting ID: 970 7486 9488
Passcode: 083031
Find your local number: https://kent-ac-uk.zoom.us/u/adHPlTp58d

Do you have a project to propose for the 2022 Virtual Summer Aesthetics Festival?

Guidelines: https://aesthetics-online.org/news/news.asp?id=590512