Laughter: An Essay on the Meaning of the Comic

Laughter: An Essay on the Meaning of the Comic is a collection of three essays a thought-provoking exploration of the nature of humor and its role in society by French philosopher Henri Bergson. Laughter explores what it is in language that makes a joke funny and what it is in us that makes us laugh. In this influential essay Bergson explores the nature and significance of laughter in human life. Bergson argues that laughter is a uniquely human phenomenon and seeks to uncover its underlying causes and social functions. He posits that laughter serves a social purpose acting as a corrective mechanism for individuals who deviate from societal norms thereby promoting social cohesion.