Is this the science of comedy?
Why we laugh at things...
Laughter is the brain’s way of learning from its mistakes, according to researchers trying to develop a computer with a sense of humour.Most comedy stems from a gap between what the observer expects to happen, and what actually does. Scientists say that’s because the mind has evolved to quickly interpret a situation based on sketchy information, and humour arises when it corrects itself when the full picture comes to light
Physicist Igor Suslov at the Kapitza Institute for Physical Problems in Moscow has now devised a mathematical model based on that idea, which he said could help develop a machine with a simulated sense of humour.
In this week’s New Scientist, he says: ‘The nature of the processing algorithm makes mistakes inevitable,’ adding that the biological function of a laugh is to ‘make brain operations more efficient’.
He based his studies on gag such as the father telling off his son: ‘Do you know what happens to liars when they die?’ Johnny: ‘Yes sir, they lie still.’ The joke comes about because the listener’s brain settles on one meaning of ‘lie’, then spots an error and corrects itself.
This also explains why jokes don’t work if you already know, or can spot, the punchline, and why timing is crucial.
However, Suslov admits his theory is incomplete, since people don't always laugh when they misinterpret something ambiguous.
Psychologist Daniel Levine of the University of Texas added: ‘What is lacking is an explanation of what is or isn't humour producing. It's not the case that every phrase that tricks the mind into an error is funny.’
Published: 22 Nov 2007
