"Take My Course, Please! The Philosophy of Humor" Prof, Steven Gimbel (DVD), (24 Lectures / 30 minutes per lecture / 4x DVD - The Great Courses)
 
Humor is explored as a complex human phenomenon rather than just a series of punchlines. By examining major historical theories-such as the idea that we laugh out of a sense of superiority or as a release of pent-up nervous energy-the material reveals the logical structures beneath what makes something funny. It looks at the "incongruity" of the world and how our brains process the unexpected shifts in perspective that result in laughter.
 
The content also addresses the social and ethical boundaries of comedy, questioning the role of satire and the "rules" of what can be joked about. It bridges the gap between high-level philosophy and everyday stand-up, analyzing how humor functions as a tool for both social bonding and critical commentary. The goal is to understand how the mechanics of a joke can reflect our deepest values, fears, and cognitive quirks.