Peter Berger tackles one of the further reaches of sociology in Redeeming
Laughter. The meaning of redeeming he has most in mind is religious, but it is
not crystal-clear how this concept fits into the whole. Defining humour is a
hard job and dissecting what people find funny is not itself amusing to read.
Ultimately, it may even be futile. Reading this may test your sense of humour.
Published by Walter de Gruyter, £13, ISBN 3110155621.
More from New Scientist
Explore the latest news, articles and features
Life
New Scientist recommends a brilliant take on the evolution of birds
Culture
Environment
Striking photos show how sands are encroaching on oases in the Sahara
Regulars
Comment
Think you have a good sense of humour? So do most people…
Regulars
Comment
Sci-fi horror film Backrooms is a triumph for its 20-year-old director
Culture
Popular articles
Trending New Scientist articles
1
Fully autonomous drones have killed human soldiers for the first time
2
Mysterious ‘cold blob’ in the Atlantic suggests the AMOC is weakening
3
Dinosaur-killing asteroid impact site stayed hot for millions of years
4
Why we should all take quantum physics extremely personally
5
Understanding anorexia’s grip on the brain could unlock new therapies
6
Millions of fossil whale bones found in deep-ocean ‘necropolis’
7
Pancreatic cancer halted by virus injection in three patients
8
Wildlife thrives in solar farm built on restored peatland
9
A nuclear war between India and Pakistan could destroy the ozone layer
10
Unpicking endometriosis reveals how it affects more than the pelvis
