For our second satellite event for the Battle of Ideas 2025* we’re looking at the current state of comedy.
The old joke has it that analysing comedy is like dissecting a frog: nobody laughs, and the frog dies. Fair enough. But comedy raises all sorts of moral and philosophical issues - particularly today when it seems increasingly polarised along ‘left/right’ or – perhaps more accurately – social justice v popularist lines, and when we’ve seen numerous comedians face ‘cancellation’ for causing offence. So, who and what is it ok for comedians to target?
For example, we hear the phrases 'punching up' and 'punching down' a lot, but what does that mean? Is the one always okay and the other never okay? And, while many comedians are only too happy to target their opponents, they often seem to struggle when ridiculing their ‘own side’ – leading to accusations of lazily attacking the same ‘easy’ targets resulting more in ‘clap comedy’ than outright laughter.
So, should comedians be prepared to lambast all and anyone without fear or favour? And, if so, are the moral norms around free speech different for comedians or is the defence "it's just a joke!" a bit suspect? We’ll discuss these issues and more. And, whilst we can't promise any laughs, no frogs will die (we hope).
Speakers:
Andy Shaw is co-founder and organiser of Comedy Unleashed – a stand-up comedy club for free-thinking comedians. Andy used to write weekly spoofs for The Spectator.
Simon Kirchin is Professor of Applied Ethics at the University of Leeds and Director of IDEA, the Ethics Centre. Simon is currently writing a book about comedy and free speech, and hosts a podcast, 'Philosophy Gets Schooled'.
For readings and join our mailing list visit: www.leedssalon.org.uk
Admission: £5 (Cash Only) to pay at Room 2, or pay in advance via the ‘Donate & Pay’ button on our website home-page www.leedssalon.org.uk
*Battle of Ideas 2025 is two days of no–holds–barred discussion of all the big issues of our time which takes place at Church House, Westminster on Saturday 18th & Sundy 19th October. For more info and tickets visit:
https://www.battleofideas.org.uk/
Also check out other Comedy events in Leeds, Entertainment events in Leeds, Nonprofit events in Leeds.
