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Satire and the Public Emotions

    Research output: Book/ReportBookpeer-review

    30 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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