Morreall’s Theory on Humor
Questions Morreall disagrees with traditional views on humor that connect it with emotion. Give an example of humor (in your own words, not from the text) that demonstrates disengagement (as Morreall describes it). Identify the theories of humor and ethical considerations in your example. Give an example of a humor situation that fits the definition of the superiority theory and discuss how disengagement might NOT happen in that situation. Discuss why Morreall might disagree with your points? In The Psychology of Humor, Martin discusses “decommitment.” Give an example from your real life (from work or in another real situation) in which somebody has disengaged through humor. Important: Do not give names or other details that would identify the person or exact situation in your example. What was the reaction of the target of the humor? What do you think would have happened had the decommitment statement not been made? Did decommitment deflect any negative fallout from the original comment? Morreall’s text discusses disengagement and Martin discusses decommitment. The two terms sound similar, but refer to different things. Give specific examples of each one and explain the difference. You may use real life situations (without names or identifiers) or examples from popular culture in your response. What would you predict early philosophers might say about ‘decommitment’ in a humor situation? What ethical and social considerations should be considered in today’s society when someone decommits and says, “It was only a joke”?
