The Ethics of Dark Humor | David Shoemaker

David Shoemaker explores the intricate relationship between humor and morality. What makes a faux insult funny? Can wisecracks be both humorous and hurtful?

The conversation delves into academic theories of humor, the significance of context and intentions, and the controversial topics of offensive jokes and the boundaries of humorous expression.

0:00 Introduction to Humor with David Shoemaker
00:10 The Faux Insult: Exploring Humor in Relationships
01:06 Hypotheticals and Humor Dynamics
03:24 Morality and Humor: A Complex Relationship
04:29 Wisecracks vs. Jokes: A Deeper Dive
08:04 Comic vs. Moral Domains: Finding the Balance
12:06 Theories of Humor: Incongruity, Superiority, and More
21:38 The Carrie Prank: When Cruelty Overpowers Humor
30:13 Exploring Humor in Relationships
31:01 The Controversy of Rape Jokes
32:49 Solidarity Through Humor
36:00 Consequences of Misinterpreted Jokes
38:23 The Morality of Jokes
40:31 Free Speech and Humor
57:22 Punching Up vs. Punching Down
01:02:03 Concluding Thoughts and Wisecracks

Presenters: Mark Oppenheimer and Jason Werbeloff
Editor and Producer: Ella Coleman

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