Understanding Laughter and Humor: Why We Laugh, Why We Don't, and Why It Matters

by John Charles Simon, Jennalee Donian

Overview

This book puts forward a revolutionary and comprehensive theoretical approach to understanding laughter and the humor we use to inspire it. This new perspective applies an evolutionary and biological lens through which we can fully appreciate these complex, universal human behaviors. It distinguishes itself from all classical and contemporary theories by revealing laughter’s singular message, rather than simply its causes and effects, and makes clear why perceptions of vulnerability and status are ever-present in our conscious and subconscious thoughts. The theory underscores our innate desire to cooperate, our respect for those who compete fairly, and our disdain for those who do not. And it sheds light on the social dynamics governing human interactions, both positive and negative, by recognizing laughter not as a reflexive reaction to a certain class of stimuli, but as a vital form of nonverbal communication—not only for us, but for our great ape cousins as well.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9783031879500
Publisher:	Springer Nature Switzerland
Publication date:	06/05/2025
Edition description:	Second Edition 2025
Pages:	270
Product dimensions:	5.83(w) x 8.27(h) x 0.00(d)

About the Author

John Charles Simon, a retired wildlife biologist, is now an independent scholar, writer, and consultant. He authors the PsychologyToday.com blog Laughter and Humor 101.

Dr Jennalee Donian is a postdoctoral fellow in humor studies at Nelson Mandela University, and recognized as one of South Africa’s foremost humor researchers.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1. Introduction.- Chapter 2. Ancient Wisdom and Modern Insights.- Chapter 3. Communication at Its Core.- Chapter 4. The Heart of the Mutual Vulnerability Theory.- Chapter 5. Humor and its Relationship to Laughter.- Chapter 6. Detecting Vulnerability.- Chapter 7: Group Dynamics and Their Influence.- Chapter 8. The Search for Laughter’s Origins.- Chapter 9. The Evolution of Laughter and Humor.- Chapter 10. Some Implications of the MVT.- Chapter 11. The MVT as Guide.- Chapter 12. Going Forward.

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

“Understanding Laughter and Humor offers an interesting new theory on the nature and purpose of laughter. By adding to our understandings of laughter as a form of communication that is specifically connected with vulnerability, the authors provide a fresh and convincing perspective that will significantly contribute to humor theory and link to other affective and emotional accounts of laughter. Their exploration of vulnerability as the key to unlocking laughter’s meaning is thus both insightful and thought-provoking. The book's writing style makes complex ideas easy to grasp, while its thorough examination of laughter’s physical, emotional, cognitive, and social aspects provides a comprehensive theoretical position. I recommend this texts to anyone interested in the complex nature of laughter.” (Simon Weaver, PhD, Reader in Media and Communications, Brunel, University of London, UK)

‘In this groundbreaking work, John Charles Simon and Jennalee Donian challenge centuries of philosophical and scientific thought on the nature of laughter. Understanding Laughter and Humor presents an elegantly simple yet remarkably comprehensive theory that explains the multifaceted role of laughter in human society. The book’s exploration of vulnerability as the key to understanding laughter is both original and deeply insightful. The authors’ clear, engaging writing style makes complex ideas accessible, while their thorough analysis ensures that no aspect of laughter is left unexplored. This book is a window into the human condition that will change how you perceive and experience laughter in your daily life; it is an essential read for researchers, therapists, comedians, and anyone fascinated by the complexities of human behavior and communication.” (Tabea Scheel, PhD, Work & Organizational Psychology, Europa-Universität Flensburg, Germany)