A Phenomenology of Comedy

FAIN: FB-10466-70

M. Conrad Hyers
Gustavus Adolphus College (St. Peter, MN 56082-1485)

Development of a new philosophical appraoch to and interpretation of human existence from the standpoint of the comic spirit and perspective. The underlying concern is to focus upon the peculiar combination of seriousness and laughter which defines humanity, and to develop a comprehensive theory which will take into account the many levels of the comic. Interprets the meaning of the comic in four cultural contexts--primitive, Western, Hindu, Buddhist--by means of critical instances and typical examples.