By Robert Mayhew
Ayn Rand's remarks on humor constitute a fascinating and original perspective. In this course, Dr. Mayhew presents her conception of humor and shows its connection to basic issues in Objectivism, e.g., metaphysical value-judgments, the metaphysical versus the man-made and the benevolent universe premise.
Next, he discusses Ayn Rand's use of humor in her fiction, from her earliest works to Atlas Shrugged. Finally, he contrasts her viewpoint with the major theories of humor in the history of philosophy.
This talk was recorded at the Second Renaissance Conference 2000 in Richmond, VA.
(MP3 download; 4 hrs., with Q & A, 170.37 MB)
