Does the God of classical theism have a sense of humour? [English translation]

In this paper, I discuss whether the attribute of a sense of humour is compatible with the theistic conception of God, understood as an omnipotent, perfect and omniscient being. I begin by outlining the intuitions present in common language and in fiction regarding the attribution of humour to God. I then discuss popular theories of humour – superiority, release and incongruity – pointing out their incompatibility with a theistic concept of God. I conclude by wondering why people have a sense of humour, while the answer to this question marks the paper's main thesis: although God knows what is funny, he does not have a sense of humour.

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Publication Details

Journal
Laboratorium Mentis
Published
2025-02-13
DOI
https://doi.org/10.52097/lm.9483
Primary Topic
Theology and Philosophy of Evil
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
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article

Does the God of classical theism have a sense of humour? [English translation]

Piotr Biłgorajski
Laboratorium Mentis
Theology and Philosophy of Evil
article

Does the God of classical theism have a sense of humour? [English translation]

Piotr Biłgorajski
article en

Abstract

In this paper, I discuss whether the attribute of a sense of humour is compatible with the theistic conception of God, understood as an omnipotent, perfect and omniscient being. I begin by outlining the intuitions present in common language and in fiction regarding the attribution of humour to God. I then discuss popular theories of humour – superiority, release and incongruity – pointing out their incompatibility with a theistic concept of God. I conclude by wondering why people have a sense of humour, while the answer to this question marks the paper's main thesis: although God knows what is funny, he does not have a sense of humour.

Laboratorium MentisVol. 2(2)
John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin (PL)
Openalex Percentile: Top 96%
Theology and Philosophy of Evil
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