THE FUSE

Laughter theorists have long separated themselves into one of two camps. Members of the first maintain the primal or primary function of laughter is one of communication. That is, it evolved to convey an important (albeit nonverbal) message to others in our immediate vicinity, similar to screaming or moaning. This view is codified in various explanations, including Superiority Theory (laughter asserts superiority), Play Theory (it signals a desire to play, or view things non-seriously), and the Mutual Vulnerability Theory (wherein laughter reminds others of shared limitations).