Jokes: Philosophical Thoughts on Joking Matters

by Ted Cohen

Book Overview

Abe and his friend Sol are out for a walk together in a part of town they haven't been in before. Passing a Christian church, they notice a curious sign in front that says "$1,000 to anyone who will convert." "I wonder what that's about," says Abe. "I think I'll go in and have a look. I'll be back in a minute; just wait for me."

Sol sits on the sidewalk bench and waits patiently for nearly half an hour. Finally, Abe reappears.

"Well,"...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0226112314
• ISBN13: 9780226112312
• Release Date: May 2001
• Publisher: University of Chicago Press
• Length: 112 Pages
• Weight: 0.30 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 4.9" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

maybe i'm biased, i dunno...

ted cohen is bleeding hilarious. he's even funnier in person than on paper. he happens to be my philosophy professor - ain't i lucky?buy that book!!

I Wish I Had Bought It!

I might as well admit up front that I didn't buy this book. In fact, Ted Cohen gave me a complementary inscribed copy so that I could reinvigorate my cocktail party repetoire of jokes (my wife says this book will add at least 5 years to our marriage). But for all of you who read this review, you should know that I intend to buy a few dozen copies to distribute to my best friends. And not because Ted needs the money, but because this book is both a scream and thought provoking. If only for laughs, it's well worth the price. And the publisher has considerately type-set the many jokes in bold so that you can easily skip the philosophy. But after you've read the jokes, I recommend you go back and read Ted's thoughts and commentary. You'll see jokes and joking in a new light. Thank you Ted!

Philosophy AND Jokes - What more could you want?

This is the first book I have read by Ted Cohen but it will not be my last. Do not be frightened away by the word "philosophy." Everyone seems to grasp the fact that some jokes work with some people and not with others. This book shows us how jokes depend on a "complex set of conditions" in order to work and that jokes are "conditional." The book has a wonderful cadence allowing room for the philosophy behind and the intimacy caused by good joke telling and -- great jokes too. Laughter is indeed the best medicine -- grab this book and have a laugh!