Wisecracks - by David Shoemaker

About the Book

"Humor enriches our lives, but it can also raise moral trouble. Is humor that relies on deception, maliciousness, or stereotyping always immoral? Does motive matter in determining the moral value of a joke? Why are certain topics out of bounds for humor? In Wisecracks, philosopher David Shoemaker delves into the fascinating relationship between humor and morality in our everyday lives. In this book, Shoemaker sets aside the crafted forms of humor we find in comedy specials, TV skits, and more and focuses on the informal, improvised wit that occurs in interpersonal relationships-such as teasing, mockery, and pranks-known as wisecracks. The key difference between wisecracks and jokes? Jokes are told, whereas wisecracks are made. Sometimes wisecracks involve lying, sometimes they are mean, and sometimes they play on racial or sexual stereotypes. Shoemaker untangles the intricate threads of when and why these immoral qualities are or aren't acceptable in humor. In showing how a well-developed sense of morality is central to a good sense of humor (and how to develop each), Wisecracks makes the case for how humor can heal, even when it takes a hurtful form"--

Book Synopsis

A philosopher's case for the importance of good--if ethically questionable--humor.

A good sense of humor is key to the good life, but a joke taken too far can get anyone into trouble. Where to draw the line is not as simple as it may seem. After all, even the most innocent quips between friends rely on deception, sarcasm, and stereotypes and often run the risk of disrespect, meanness, and harm. How do we face this dilemma without taking ourselves too seriously?

In Wisecracks, philosopher David Shoemaker examines this interplay between humor and morality and ultimately argues that even morally suspect humor is an essential part of ethical life. Shoemaker shows how improvised "wisecracks" between family and friends--unlike scripted stand-up, sketches, or serials--help us develop a critical human skill: the ability to carry on and find the funny in tragedy. In developing a new ethics of humor in defense of questionable gibes, Wisecracks offers a powerful case for humor as a healing presence in human life.

Review Quotes

"A valuable book worth discussing . . . well-worth including among the more interesting new contributions in the area [of humor studies]."-- "Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews"

"In this engaging new work, Shoemaker offers an important and nuanced contribution to the philosophy of humor. . . . The text nicely balances philosophical rigor with accessible presentation, which makes it a good read for both expert and nonexpert audiences."-- "Choice"

"Shoemaker turns attention away from public controversy to ordinary life, lowering the rhetorical temperature. Many of us make fun of family and friends, their flaws and foibles, in ways that involve mockery or stereotyping--wisecracks we wouldn't venture in public. . . . In giving them their due, [Shoemaker] sheds new light on the ethics of these everyday interactions."-- "The Atlantic"

"Readers will be intrigued by Shoemaker's methodical attempts to drill down on the complex interplay between humor and morality, without losing sight of the joy inherent in his topic. A . . . smart, witty analysis. This delivers."-- "Publishers Weekly"

"Clear and compelling. Shoemaker delivers an enjoyable exploration of humor that is worth considering. A perfect tome for your bathroom reading, if ever there was one."--Luvell Anderson, Syracuse University

"In my four decades studying the philosophy of humor, I don't remember a book this original and fresh. Shoemaker has done a masterful job showing how spontaneous, interpersonal 'wisecracks' embody our intentions (for better or worse) and can help people cope with the worst kinds of suffering."--John Morreall, College of William and Mary

"In this eminently readable book, Shoemaker asks simply: What should we joke about and how? What is the value of humor in our lives? His surprising and original answer is a delight to read, as witty as it is rigorous, and does not shy away from necessary, but controversial, discussions of offensive humor. Wisecracks should become a classic, if not the classic, book on philosophy and humor."--Elizabeth Brake, Rice University

About the Author

David Shoemaker is professor of philosophy at Cornell University. He is the author of two books including Responsibility from the Margins.