Why Do We Laugh?

Schedule

Wed Nov 12 2025 at 06:00 pm to 07:00 pm

UTC+00:00

Location

Gresham College | London, EN

Laughter is an incredibly powerful and yet mysterious emotion. We laugh at jokes, but also at embarrassment. Why?
About this Event

Laughter is an incredibly powerful and yet mysterious emotion. We laugh with delight, but also surprise. We laugh at jokes, but also at embarrassment. Why? What subconscious signal is laughter intended to display? Why do we laugh when someone tickles us and what should we make of the fact that rodents do it too? And why is it that people’s sense of humour differs wildly and yet some drugs can send us all into fits of the giggles, even if there is nothing to laugh at?

A lecture by Professor Robin May.

This event is also available to watch live online. To register, visit: https://www.gresham.ac.uk/whats-on/why-laugh

Gresham College has offered free public lectures for over 400 years, thanks to the generosity of our supporters. We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to learn from some of the greatest minds. To support Gresham College's mission, please consider making a donation: Donate Today | Gresham College

Where is it happening?

Gresham College, Barnard's Inn Hall, London, United Kingdom
Tickets

GBP 0.00

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