Ha!: The Science of When We Laugh and Why - Rilegato

Weems, Scott

Rilegato

ISBN 10: 0465031706 ISBN 13: 9780465031702

Casa editrice: Basic Books, 2014

Riassunto

humour, like pornography, is famously difficult to define. We know it when we see it, but is there a way to figure out what we really find funny,and why?In this fascinating investigation into the science of humour and laughter, cognitive neuroscientist Scott Weems uncovers what's happening in our heads when we giggle, guffaw, or double over with laughter. While we typically think of humour in terms of jokes or comic timing, in Ha! Weems proposes a provocative new model. humour arises from inner conflict in the brain, he argues, and is part of a larger desire to comprehend a complex world. Showing that the delight that comes with getting" a punchline is closely related to the joy that accompanies the insight to solve a difficult problem, Weems explores why surprise is such an important element in humour, why computers are terrible at recognizing what's funny, and why it takes so long for a tragedy to become acceptable comedic fodder. From the role of insult jokes to the benefit of laughing for our immune system, Ha! reveals why humour is so idiosyncratic, and why how-to books alone will never help us become funnier people.Packed with the latest research, illuminating anecdotes, and even a few jokes, Ha! lifts the curtain on this most human of qualities. From the origins of humour in our brains to its life on the standup comedy circuit, this book offers a delightful tour of why humour is so important to our daily lives.

Su questo libro

Recensione:

"Humor is worthy of serious academic study, [Weems] argues in his book, Ha! The Science of When We Laugh and Why, because it yields insights into how our brains process a complex world and how that, in turn, makes us who we are.... Dr. Weems makes a good case that humor makes us our best selves, and that we should all laugh more."―New York Times

"In Ha!, Scott Weems shows where funniness lies in the head."―Washington Post

"[A]n intriguing book."―Wall Street Journal

"[Weems] marshals an impressive range of studies and statistics to make his point. He shows that we process jokes in much the same way that we tackle problems, getting a rush of dopamine when we succeed. Laughter, meanwhile, brings all sorts of benefits.... [Ha!] makes a compelling case for seeing the comic side of life."―Financial Times

"Mirth, points out cognitive neuroscientist Scott Weems, is still something of a conundrum--but one well worth cracking. His journey through the jovial looks in turn at what it is, what it is for and why we should cultivate it."―Nature

"Neuroscientist Scott Weems applies the scientific method to the human funny bone to find out what makes us laugh. He discovers that laughter is one way the brain deals with the discomfort of a particularly inappropriate joke, or the surprise of an unexpected punchline."―Discover

"Scott Weems melds brain science with corny jokes and factoids to delight readers who've ever wondered why one thing tickles their funny bones, but not the other.... Don't expect this book to crack you up. You'll find other things to do that, and this will explain why. For anyone who's ever ROFL, Ha! just raises the bar."―The Bookworm Sez

"[A] stimulating overview of what researchers have learned about why we laugh."―Kirkus Reviews

"Weems renders extensive research accessible for a wide audience.... Humor is a difficult, subjective topic of study, and while Weems doesn't present major conclusions, the information is interesting and the commentary insightful."―Publishers Weekly

"[A] fascinating new book.... Weems makes the argument that jokes have deep sources in our human needs and psychologies. Human life is complex, not simple, although we have simple needs (food, sex, safety, sleep, friendship, etc.). Humor is a response to inevitable conflict. The humor isn't in the joke; it is in the attitudes of those telling and hearing the joke. The same joke will be funny sometimes to some people and entirely fail to rouse a response to different people at different times."―Alva Noë, NPR's 13.7 blog

Descrizione del libro:

An entertaining tour of the science of humour and laughter

Su questa edizione

• Editore: Basic Books
• Data di pubblicazione: 2014
• ISBN 10: 0465031706
• ISBN 13: 9780465031702
• Rilegatura: Copertina rigida
• Numero edizione: 1
• Numero di pagine: 256