User:HRichards01/sandbox

=Relief Theory=

Summary
Relief theory is a subsection of the widely known theories of humour in which its conception can be traced all the way back to Aristotle and Plato. The theory feeds on the idea that humour is used primarily to reduce stress as to create a sense of relief. Relief theory is also the explanation as to why people may laugh in sometimes rather tense or situations or even as to why people laugh when being tickled, as the build up of tension erupts into laughter. V.Voss explains that there is both a physical and psychology benefits from laughing due to Humour theory as she states "What left this stain on my couch?” Answer? “A low standard of living.” I laugh with delight. I then look at my old couch: it is broken, stained, old, and worn.". Showing that what should be a rather grim thought process can be turned into a rather funny situation due to the context of a situation which can result in the easing of stress. Relief theory has also been commented on by N.Butler as they comment on Aristotle's point about the universal nature of humour saying that "no other animal laughs apart from man", this refers to the more complex thought process people are attuned to compared to that of animals which allow us to form a positive and funny view on what should be described as a bad situation for example laughing at the injury or misfortune of others. The physiological release brought about by humour was commented on by Kant as he backs what is said by Herbert Spencer as humour is an "economical response" describing the idea that true humour is only apparent a specific event that builds up enough tension comes around allowing for the release of laughter thus trading the tension of the situation for a more appeasing response hoping for a way to reduce the negative outcome of the situation.