Thomas Hobbes was born in 1588 in England into a conservative society. After graduating from the University of Oxford, he became a tutor. His work took him throughout Europe, where, his associations led him to take interest in philosophy. It was at this point in his life that Hobbes developed the idea that man is egocentric and best suited for a life of solitude, “…he argued that man's natural state is anti-social, and that moral rules are created to avoid chaos,” from this evolved his theories about the nature and intent of laughter.
Hobbes on Laughter
According to Hobbes, laughter is selfish. In Hobbes on Laughter, Watkins suggests, “the idea of laughter is self-applause can nevertheless be defended by pointing out that, even though somebody else’s joke occasions my laughter, what I am laughing at, what produces my joy, might be that I can see the point and thus appreciate my superiority” (Hobbes 30). That quote is basically saying that even though the person tripping and falling may be what I am laughing about, rather, it is the fact that I witnessed it and acknowledged it happening. That is very selfish and egotistical.
He says that our own power is what causes laughter, and when we are more powerful than someone, we laugh. He also says that People who are the least powerful try to point out others’ weaknesses to make them look less powerful, or try to figure out how they got powerful. When both of those statements are put together, Hobbes makes it sound like everyone makes fun of everyone because they are either powerful or not powerful.
Comparison of Hobbes and Freud
Despite the fact that Hobbes is generally opposed to laughter and Freud seemingly supports it, their positions on the matter are based on similar observations. Freud states that although some humor is entirely innocent in nature, much of it has underlying intent/meaning or is blatantly malicious in its content toward its subject and is used as a kind of release. It’s doubtful that Hobbes would disagree with this idea of aggressive humor and it is for that reason he is opposed to its usage. To Hobbes, there was no benefit of laughing at another‘s expense; he even goes as far as to say that jokes and laughter are simply a means of exalting oneself and ultimately portray one as ignorant and inferior.
Hobbes’ Leviathan
When Hobbes wrote Leviathan in 1651, times were much harder than they are now. People did not have as much to laugh at, and it shows in this piece. In The Leviathan, Hobbes takes very little time to talk about humor. A very brief statement about humor in Leviathan says, “Sudden Glory, is the passion which maketh those Grimaces called LAUGHTER; and is caused either by some sudden act of their own, that pleaseth them; or by the apprehension of some deformed thing in another, by comparison whereof they suddenly applaud themselves” (Leviathan 43).
For the most part, Hobbes seems bitter… against everyone. He makes it sound like if anyone makes any kind of joke, that person is being mean spirited. I do not totally disagree, but I also do not agree. People who are less popular or have a less powerful position in an organization or at work tend to nit-pick and complain about the person in the power position. If a person is in a power position, sometimes they go on power trips and try to use humor as a way to relieve stress in a negative way.
Hobbes in Comparison to Lorrie Moore
There are many parallels between what Hobbes wrote and how Lorrie Moore wrote in Self Help. Hobbes wrote about how humor is only mean, and if you laugh at a joke, you are probably making fun of someone. In “How to Be an Other Woman”, the narrator was mocking the man’s real girl friend by making lists of everything she had to do.
Hobbes mostly seemed to consider humor in every day conversation a negative, self-seeking action. While this train of thought may have some merit, there are plenty of every day uses of humor that involve consideration for others. For example, when a friend has had a bad day, after hearing him/her out, generally the first instinct is to tell them it’ll be alright and then make them laugh. Humor can also be used as a sort of ice breaker when talking to someone new. Since laughter generally creates good feelings, naturally if someone genuinely makes you laugh, you are more inclined to like and keep talking to that person. Of course, the conversation can quickly go downhill if the jokes and comments intended to be funny are not, which could cause the second party to feel awkward and to start chuckling nervously. But at least the good intention was there, right?
On the other hand, humor can also be used as a defense mechanism in a difficult situation, which may be considered a negative thing. Lorrie Moore uses humor in her works to deal with heavy issues such as suicide, loss of a loved one, and feelings of isolation and solitude. Humor is also used at times to talk about touchy subjects such as stereotypes or deformities. By lightening the mood with humor and approaching the subject from that point of view, it seems okay to talk about these sorts of things.
Conclusion
Overall, from Hobbes’ few statements about humor as a malicious action, it appears he may only have experienced negative connotations of humor. Perhaps in Hobbes’ time, what Freud would term tendentious humor was used much more often than not. However, we have seen through both Lorrie Moore’s stories and our every day experiences that humor is far too complex to be labeled simply as malicious or benign. Humor can be used in ways ranging from defense mechanisms in difficult times to making a joke about the weather in an awkward conversation. It can be used to make fun of someone to make them feel insecure or it can be used to laugh at yourself when you fall down the steps in front of TUC (not that that’s ever happened to me). Regardless, humor is definitely a part of every day life today and can have a wide variety of intentions.
Works Cited
Hobbes, Leviathan, ed. Richard Tuck (Cambridge UP, 1991), p.43
Hobbes on Laughter Author(s): R. E. Ewin Source: The Philosophical Quarterly, Vol. 51, No. 202 (Jan., 2001), pp. 29-40 Published by: Blackwell Publishing for The Philosophical Quarterly Stable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/2660519
"Thomas Hobbes." Britannica Concise Encyclopedia. Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc., 2006. Answers.com 11 Oct. 2008. http://www.answers.com/topic/thomas-hobbes
"Thomas Hobbes." Who2? Biographies. Who2?, 2008. Answers.com 11 Oct. 2008. http://www.answers.com/topic/thomas-hobbes
Posted by: Karen Taylor, Erika Edwards, Alisa Izzi, and Sarah Smith
4 comments:
This blog did well at informing the audience of Hobbes' theories. I teel it was important that there was an emphasis on the time period in which Hobbes established his ideas. Just as we discussed in class, a large part of humor is based on culture and society, which is constantly chaning throughout time. I can see in some aspects where Hobbes has strong points about being selfish and egotistical when using or showing humor. Some jokes are simply crude and unnecessary such as when a person degrades another individual to make themselves feel better. Also a lot of stand up comedians find great satisfaction, pride, and even fame from their jobs. However. I can also see where he is taking his theory a little too far and in not every case of humor is some being selfish.
I also liked how the blog compared Hobbes with other authors and theorists. I am beginning to see how everyone's theories and perceptions tie together and not just one idea is correct.
Brittany Carlisle
I agree with Brittany that this is a revealing and insightful posting. You're group was assigned a difficult topic, and I think your method was an excellent one. You did well to give us some context in terms of Hobbes's life and his major work; you then take this information and apply it to the work we've read thus far in class--and then, you take these insights a step further to apply them to everyday life. Well done.
You're absolutely right: Hobbes was writing out of a completely different time period--one lacking the conveniences and modern amenities that make our lives easier. Know this makes it easier to understand why he viewed human nature in such a violent, negative, fearful light. Instead of pointing out what you saw as inherent flaws in Hobbes (especially when viewed through a 21st-century lens), you did well to give clear examples of the ways you agree and disagree. I like when you write, "I do not totally disagree, but I also do not agree. People who are less popular or have a less powerful position in an organization or at work tend to nit-pick and complain about the person in the power position. If a person is in a power position, sometimes they go on power trips and try to use humor as a way to relieve stress in a negative way." These examples help to reveal that sometimes humor is more complex than Hobbes gives it credit for.
Great job, too, on the comparison to Freud, though I think these ideas could be explored even further. It's interesting that Hobbes sees laughter as essentially cowardly, while Freud sees it as evidence of the processes of the unconscious. I think this highlights their different approaches--one from a psychological angle and the other from a social one.
Some things for everyone to consider.
1. I was left wondering who Ewin is that you introduced in your first paragraph. When bringing in outside sources, remember that your audience hasn't read them. Therefore, introduce them and give us a bit of background/context.
2. These postings should have an original title.
3. Titles of essays go in quotation marks.
4. Be sure to cite sources both in-text and in works cited.
Good work here!
I think this blog helped to make a lot more sense of Hobbes' theories. I do think think that his theories are a bit extreme, because not all jokes are out of pure meanness and selfishness. Everytime we laugh is not just because we see ourselves in a higher position of power. For example, many times we laugh at ourselves when we trip. This is not out of selfishness. Overall, good work in connecting the blog to other theorists and authors.
-Amanda Recker
I agree with Amanda. This blog definitely helped me out in preparing for this final. I was a little confused with Hobbe's opinions on laughter, but this helped to clear it up a bit. I think a lot of people laugh at themselves more than they laugh at others. It just in our human nature to laugh at ourselves when we do something stupid.
-Samantha Spieles
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