O fenômino do riso segundo Thomas Hobbes

Abstract

There are numerous studies on laughter, which can be positively understood as an expression of genuine joy, grace and fun caused by the unexpected. However, laughter can be perceived in a negative way, as something to be avoided, and which involves mockery, contempt for the other or the feeling of superiority of the one who laughs in relation to the target of laughter. Laughter can also be perceived from a physiological point of view, that is, from the effects of grace on the body, which result in laughter, for example. It can also be identified with the puerile attitude of young people, who have not yet understood the seriousness of life. Finally, since antiquity, there has been a certain association between laughter and good taste: uncontrolled laughter and loud laughter are not considered legitimate demonstrations of civility and good manners. This work focuses on laughter from the perspective of the English philosopher Thomas Hobbes. Even not ignoring the happier face of laughter, the philosopher has as his target specifically the laughter of mockery, since it is not up to those who desire peace any other attitude than to avoid it. Thus, it is especially in the context of his political theory that laughter interests Thomas Hobbes and interests us, in this investigation, although all dimensions of this human response to what he finds funny must also be contemplated.