Lecture series

Not a Joke

An interdisciplinary lecture series about humor

They say humor is when we laugh despite it all. In earnest: Humor is an attitude or a capacity that reflects a distinct way of coming to terms with the world. Whether funny, incongruous, unintended or subversive, humor is often controversial. Jokes are frequently particularly effective when they challenge individual or socially established lines or even cross them. But how does humor work? Who laughs at what and why, with whom or at whom? 

The lecture series explores humor – sincerely and cheerfully – through multiple aspects: From comedy, carnival and caricatures through artificial intelligence and satire to freedom of speech. And it is not a joke: One evening is a comedy show.

For program details, please see the German page.