Satire and the Public Emotions

Research output: Book/ReportBookpeer-review

11 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The dream of political satire - to fearlessly speak truth to power - is not matched by its actual effects. This study explores the role of satirical communication in licensing public expression of harsh emotions defined in neuroscience as the CAD (contempt, anger, disgust) triad. The mobilisation of these emotions is a fundamental distinction between satirical and comic laughter. Phiddian pursues this argument particularly through an account of Jonathan Swift and his contemporaries. They played a crucial role in the early eighteenth century to make space in the public sphere for intemperate dissent, an essential condition of free political expression.
Original languageEnglish
Place of PublicationCambridge
PublisherCambridge UP
Number of pages75
ISBN (Electronic)9781108869263
ISBN (Print)9781108798839
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2019

Publication series

NameCambridge Elements
PublisherCambridge University Press
ISSN (Print)2632-105X
ISSN (Electronic)2632-1068

Keywords

  • political satire
  • CAD (Contempt, Anger, Disgust)
  • Jonathan Swift
  • Gulliver's Travels
  • Comedy
  • CAD (contempt Anger Disgust) triad of emotions
  • Political satire
  • Gulliver’s travels
  • Comedy and laughter
  • Eighteenth-century satire
  • Jonathan swift

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