Satire and the Public Emotions

Discover the captivating insights of Robert Phiddian in "Satire and the Public Emotions," published by Cambridge University Press in 2020. This thought-provoking study spans 75 pages, delving into the crucial distinctions between satirical and comic laughter. Phiddian expertly examines how satire serves as a powerful vehicle for expressing intense public emotions, particularly those categorized in neuroscience as the CAD triad: contempt, anger, and disgust. Through a focused lens on renowned eighteenth-century satirists such as Jonathan Swift, "Satire and the Public Emotions" reveals the essential role of satire in promoting free political expression. Engage with this essential text to understand how humor and critique intersect, influencing contemporary discourse and society. Ideal for readers interested in literature, politics, and the psychology of emotions, this book is a must-have for anyone looking to explore the dynamics of satire in our world today.