Daoist sages’ laughter: philosophical humor in the Zhuangzi from the perspective of humor theory

 

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Autor: Estrada Cartagena, Arqueles
Médium: artículo original
Stav:Versión publicada
Datum vydání:2026
Popis:This research uses humor theory to examine Zhuangzian philosophy and propose a hybrid theory of relief through incongruity to address the philosophical humor embedded within Daoism. Based on theories of humor and the works of Amir, Ziporyn, Moeller, and D’Ambrosio, I argue that philosophical humor in the Zhuangzi possesses a therapeutic dimension in response to rigid expectations of the Confucian social order, wherein each individual is compelled to fulfill their prescribed role. Daoism’s peculiar and ingenious alternative, grounded in incoherence, is embodied in the literary figures and fantastic narratives of the Zhuangzi. Philosophical humor, in its therapeutic function for a well-lived life, manifests in the attitude of sagely fools, whose light and detached equanimity mocks and deconstructs the social expectations imposed upon us. Viewed through the lens of humor theory, Zhuangzian philosophy employs laughter to reveal the mutability of reality and to suggest that letting go is the most effective way to navigate life.
Země:Portal de Revistas UCR
Instituce:Universidad de Costa Rica
Repositorio:Portal de Revistas UCR
Jazyk:Español
OAI Identifier:oai:portal.revistas.ucr.ac.cr:article/4920
On-line přístup:https://revistas.ucr.ac.cr/index.php/rriea/article/view/4920
Klíčové slovo:Zhuangzi
Humor theory
Philosophical humor
Therapeutic humor
Relief from incongruity
Teoría del humor
Humor filosófico
Humor terapéutico
Alivio por incongruencia