In Simon Critchley's book, On Humour, Critchley admits that humor is an "impossible object for [the] philosopher" since "a joke explained is a misunderstood joke. Although Critchley may be right that one can and should experience humorous amusement that never has to be reasoned or explained, if one continues as Critchley does in his quest to philosophize humor, he becomes reveals that through humor we are all philosophers. Aristotle said, “No animal laughs saves man” and, likewise, no animal thinks like philosophers. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essayThe gap between animal and human is where comedy exists as well as philosophy. Critchley introduces us to the concept of “having” a body versus “being” the body. This ability of humans to detach themselves from their bodies allows this act of observation. In both humor and philosophy, people look at the world they inhabit and imagine it in another way. Actors and philosophers ask the question why. Both challenge authority and exist as audience-influenced social practices. Humor and philosophy at their most basic level both ask the question of why. Why do human beings do what they do? Mary Douglas says that “jokes are anti-rites”. They mock, parody or deride the ritual practices of a given society.” Philosophy and comedy lead us to question our unconscious habits, to make the usual strange and ridiculous, to say the unspeakable, to defy conventions, to challenge power. The Clouds of Aristophanes is a comic play satirizing the sophistry and philosophy of the day. Socrates is depicted as what he was sentenced to death for in 399 BC. This is exactly what Aristophanes does in the clouds by pointing out ridiculous conventions and saying the unspeakable. Philosophers and actors share the common thread of refusing to submit to authority. Especially in the art form of stand-up comedy. Both Lenny Bruce and Socrates were seen in public life as subversive and rebellious political figures in their respected times. Behind their perceived dissenting attitude lies a priority placed on critical inspection of the authority of both worlds of thinkers. Eddie Waters of the 1976 play The Comedians says, "He dares to see what his listeners avoid, are afraid to express." And what he sees is a kind of truth about people, about their situation, about what hurts them or terrifies them, about what is difficult, above all, about what they want.” The same can be said of philosophers. Philosophers and comedians both use language as a medium. They both find power in speech and the transmission of those words in social environments. Practice intervenes in both paths to becoming a great philosopher or a great actor. Nonetheless, both present challenges to their audiences. They raise questions, paint alternative visions, and/or shine a light on things in a new way. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized article from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay The comedian's audience and the philosopher's audience are refreshed and disturbed. They are both led to think and put things into perspective. Critchley writes that "humor consists of laughing at oneself by finding oneself ridiculous and such humor is not depressing but on the contrary gives us a feeling of emancipation, consolation and elevation..