That’s Not Funny: The Humor of Diogenes

John Marmysz

doi:10.1515/phhumyb-2020-0009

Article

That’s Not Funny: The Humor of Diogenes

John Marmysz
College of Marin;

Published/Copyright: May 18, 2020

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From the journal The Philosophy of Humor Yearbook Volume 1 Issue 1

Abstract

This article offers an analysis of the role humor plays in the philosophy of Diogenes of Sinope (c. 412–c. 323 BC). It argues that the Cynicism authored by Diogenes is a philosophy premised on a number of doctrines, and that among these doctrines humor holds the central place. The Cynical humor of Diogenes is characterized as more than just a feature of his personality or a method through which he communicates his real message, but as the actual state of mind that he intends to impart to his students.

Keywords: Diogenes; Humor; Ancient Philosophy; Cynicism; Incongruity

About the author

John Marmysz

College of Marin;

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Published Online: 2020-05-18

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https://doi.org/10.1515/phhumyb-2020-0009

Keywords for this article

Diogenes; Humor; Ancient Philosophy; Cynicism; Incongruity