Just Because You're Offended Doesn't Mean You're In The Right: A Perspective on Language, Comedy, and Ethics

Authors

James H. Garrett, Gettysburg CollegeFollow

Class Year

2013

Document Type

Student Research Paper

Date of Creation

Spring 5-1-2013

Department 1

Philosophy

Abstract

Some humor is offensive, but does this convey a moral constraint on what comedians can include in their jokes? Using stand up bits and reflections on comedy from George Carlin, Louis C.K., and Doug Stanhope, various philosophies of humor, and the linguistic philosophy of H.P. Grice, I explore the given question and attempt to settle the disputes about when it is prudent to be offended, in what ways comedians should be allowed to offend, and whether or not words can hurt just as much as sticks and stones.

Comments

Philosophy senior thesis

Copyright Note

This is the author's version of the work. This publication appears in Gettysburg College's institutional repository by permission of the copyright owner for personal use, not for redistribution.

Recommended Citation

Garrett, James H., "Just Because You're Offended Doesn't Mean You're In The Right: A Perspective on Language, Comedy, and Ethics" (2013). Student Publications. 73.
https://cupola.gettysburg.edu/student_scholarship/73