The Role of Intersubjectivity in the Production and Appreciation of Humor

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate the role of intersubjectivity in the production and appreciation of humor. Intersubjectivity is a concept in the phenomenological philosophy that explains the connection of humans to each other. Intersubjectivity  can be used to explain the nature and way of humor works; supplementing the three existing theories of humor namely incongruity theory, superiority theory, and relief theory. This study is a literature review which data were obtained from 30 scientific articles related to humor, intersubjectivity, and the link between the two. Data were excavated using the https://www.connectedpapers.com software. The research stages taken in accordance with the stages of literature review include design, provision of literature (conduct), analysis, and presentation.  The result showed that intersubjectivity has a role because it connects humor makers and connoisseurs through knowledge, feelings, awareness, and even mutual unconsciousness. Funny experiences can arise because makers and connoisseurs can access a “shared world” that allows a certain stimulation to bring out funny feelings that spark laughter. In the production and appreciation of humor intersubjectivity plays a role of (1) providing shared knowledge, (2) asserting the existence of emotions, and (3) directing the meaning of actions.