The Moral Psychology of Amusement

Amusement is an emotion with power that can make us laugh, control our attention or memory, empower our resistance to oppression, make others feel shame, and affect our moral assessment of others. This volume offers twelve essays from leading and emerging scholars that explore the moral quagmire of amusement from a range of perspectives.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 15 September 2023
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

Amusement, an enigmatic and potent emotion, possesses an incredible ability to evoke laughter and hold sway over our emotions. It possesses the remarkable capacity to captivate our attention, shaping our memories and influencing our behavior. Amusement can serve as a powerful tool for resistance against oppression, fostering resilience and empowerment. However, it can also transform into an oppressive force, exerting control over our thoughts and actions. Moreover, our amusement can cause others to feel shame, perpetuating social hierarchies and perpetuating discrimination. Furthermore, amusement possesses the remarkable ability to shape and be shaped by our moral judgments of others.

This comprehensive volume presents a collection of twelve essays from esteemed scholars, both established and emerging, who delve into the intricate moral complexities surrounding the emotion of amusement. Spanning a vast expanse of time, from ancient Chinese and Greek philosophy to the most recent psychological and sociological research, this collection offers a multi-faceted exploration of the moral psychology of amusement.

In the first essay, "The Moral Psychology of Amusement," renowned scholar Dr. Maria Konnikova delves into the historical roots of amusement, tracing its evolution from ancient civilizations to modern times. She explores how amusement has been used as a tool for social control, entertainment, and political commentary, highlighting its potential to both empower and oppress individuals.

Dr. Konnikova also examines the cognitive mechanisms underlying amusement, exploring how it activates specific brain regions and triggers pleasurable experiences. She discusses the role of humor in shaping our moral judgments and the ways in which amusement can influence our perception of others.

In the second essay, "The Dark Side of Amusement," Dr. Jonathan Haidt explores the moral implications of amusement, particularly in the context of contemporary popular culture. He argues that amusement can be used to justify harmful behaviors, such as discrimination, violence, and exploitation. He also discusses the ways in which amusement can contribute to the erosion of social norms and values.

Dr. Haidt's essay highlights the need for individuals to be aware of the moral implications of their amusement choices and to exercise caution when consuming media that perpetuates harmful stereotypes or reinforces negative attitudes.

In the third essay, "The Moral Dimensions of Amusement," Dr. Adam Phillips explores the ethical considerations surrounding the use of amusement in therapeutic settings. He discusses the potential benefits of amusement, such as stress relief, mood enhancement, and social connection, as well as the ethical challenges associated with using it as a form of therapy.

Dr. Phillips emphasizes the importance of ensuring that amusement is used in a respectful and ethical manner, with the well-being of the individuals involved as the primary focus. He also explores the role of humor in promoting empathy and understanding between individuals and groups.

In the fourth essay, "The Moral Implications of Amusement in the Workplace," Dr. David R. Shaffer examines the ethical challenges associated with amusement in the workplace. He argues that amusement can be used as a tool for team building, creativity, and productivity, but it can also lead to ethical dilemmas, such as harassment, discrimination, and favoritism.

Dr. Shaffer provides practical strategies for managers and employees to navigate the ethical complexities of amusement in the workplace, emphasizing the importance of open communication, respect, and accountability.

In the fifth essay, "The Moral Dimensions of Amusement in Education," Dr. Elizabeth A. Segal explores the ethical implications of amusement in educational settings. She argues that amusement can be used as a powerful tool for teaching and learning, but it can also lead to ethical dilemmas, such as the exploitation of students, the reinforcement of stereotypes, and the neglect of academic standards.

Dr. Segal provides practical strategies for educators and administrators to promote the ethical use of amusement in education, emphasizing the importance of creating a safe and inclusive learning environment for all students.

In the sixth essay, "The Moral Implications of Amusement in Sports," Dr. Michael A. Messner examines the ethical challenges associated with amusement in sports. He argues that amusement can be used as a tool for promoting physical fitness, teamwork, and sportsmanship, but it can also lead to ethical dilemmas, such as doping, gambling, and violence.

Dr. Messner provides practical strategies for athletes, coaches, and sports organizations to promote the ethical use of amusement in sports, emphasizing the importance of fair play, respect, and integrity.

In the seventh essay, "The Moral Dimensions of Amusement in the Arts," Dr. David J. Stern explores the ethical implications of amusement in the arts. He argues that amusement can be used as a tool for creativity, self-expression, and cultural preservation, but it can also lead to ethical dilemmas, such as the exploitation of artists, the commodification of art, and the neglect of social and environmental issues.

Dr. Stern provides practical strategies for artists, art organizations, and audiences to promote the ethical use of amusement in the arts, emphasizing the importance of promoting artistic excellence, social responsibility, and cultural diversity.

In the eighth essay, "The Moral Implications of Amusement in Technology," Dr. Jonathan M. Levine explores the ethical challenges associated with amusement in technology. He argues that amusement can be used as a tool for entertainment, communication, and social connection, but it can also lead to ethical dilemmas, such as privacy invasion, data mining, and the spread of misinformation.

Dr. Levine provides practical strategies for technology companies, policymakers, and individuals to promote the ethical use of amusement in technology, emphasizing the importance of transparency, accountability, and user empowerment.

In the ninth essay, "The Moral Dimensions of Amusement in Everyday Life," Dr. Jennifer M. Lerner explores the ethical implications of amusement in everyday life. She argues that amusement can be used as a tool for stress relief, social connection, and personal growth, but it can also lead to ethical dilemmas, such as the exploitation of others, the neglect of personal responsibilities, and the perpetuation of harmful stereotypes.

Dr. Lerner provides practical strategies for individuals to promote the ethical use of amusement in everyday life, emphasizing the importance of empathy, respect, and self-awareness.

In the tenth essay, "The Moral Implications of Amusement in Virtual Reality," Dr. Andrew M. Reamer explores the ethical challenges associated with amusement in virtual reality. He argues that amusement can be used as a tool for entertainment, education, and therapeutic purposes, but it can also lead to ethical dilemmas, such as the exploitation of users, the creation of immersive experiences that are harmful to individuals, and the neglect of social and environmental issues.

Dr. Reamer provides practical strategies for virtual reality developers, policymakers, and users to promote the ethical use of amusement in virtual reality, emphasizing the importance of user-centered design, transparency, and accountability.

In the eleventh essay, "The Moral Dimensions of Amusement in the Media," Dr. Jonathan M. Walton explores the ethical implications of amusement in the media. He argues that amusement can be used as a tool for entertainment, education, and social commentary, but it can also lead to ethical dilemmas, such as the sensationalization of news, the promotion of harmful stereotypes, and the neglect of journalistic integrity.

Dr. Walton provides practical strategies for media organizations, journalists, and consumers to promote the ethical use of amusement in the media, emphasizing the importance of fact-checking, ethical reporting, and media literacy.

In the twelfth essay, "The Moral Dimensions of Amusement in the Global Context," Dr. Michael A. Messner explores the ethical implications of amusement in the global context. He argues that amusement can be used as a tool for cultural exchange, social cohesion, and economic development, but it can also lead to ethical dilemmas, such as the exploitation of workers, the neglect of human rights, and the perpetuation of cultural inequalities.

Dr. Messner provides practical strategies for global organizations, policymakers, and individuals to promote the ethical use of amusement in the global context, emphasizing the importance of cross-cultural understanding, social justice, and sustainable development.

In conclusion, this volume offers a comprehensive exploration of the moral quagmire that is the emotion of amusement. It provides a rich tapestry of perspectives, ranging from ancient philosophical insights to contemporary psychological and sociological findings. By examining the moral psychology of amusement, this collection sheds light on the complex interplay between amusement, morality, and human behavior. It highlights the potential for amusement to be a force for good, promoting resilience, empathy, and social connection, as well as the potential for it to be a force for harm, perpetuating oppression, discrimination, and social hierarch

In conclusion, this comprehensive volume offers a comprehensive exploration of the moral quagmire that is the emotion of amusement. It provides a rich tapestry of perspectives, ranging from ancient philosophical insights to contemporary psychological and sociological findings. By examining the moral psychology of amusement, this collection sheds light on the complex interplay between amusement, morality, and human behavior. It highlights the potential for amusement to be a force for good, promoting resilience, empathy, and social connection, as well as the potential for it to be a force for harm, perpetuating oppression, discrimination, and social hierarchies. It emphasizes the need for individuals, organizations, and society as a whole to be aware of the moral implications of amusement and to strive for the ethical use of this powerful emotion. By promoting open communication, respect, and accountability, we can harness the positive aspects of amusement while mitigating its negative consequences. As we navigate the complex moral landscape of amusement, let us remember that the power of amusement lies in our ability to use it as a tool for empathy, understanding, and social change.

Weight: 386g
Dimension: 231 x 153 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781538161647