A1 Journal article (refereed)
Laughing with machines : philosophical analysis on the preconditions of sense of humour for machines (2021)

Hietalahti, J. (2021). Laughing with machines : philosophical analysis on the preconditions of sense of humour for machines. European Journal of Humour Research, 9(2), 154-171. https://doi.org/10.7592/ejhr2021.9.2.443

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Hietalahti, Jarno

Journal or series: European Journal of Humour Research

eISSN: 2307-700X

Publication year: 2021

Publication date: 20/07/2021

Volume: 9

Issue number: 2

Pages range: 154-171

Publisher: International Society for Humor Studies

Publication country: Poland

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.7592/ejhr2021.9.2.443

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Open Access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/77213

Abstract

This article will analyse the preconditions of sense of humour for artificial intelligence. Can artificial intelligence have a sense of humour? Is there a difference between human and machine laughter? Some machines already fulfil certain conditions which are associated with the human sense of humour: on the most superficial level machines appear to laugh and produce jokes, and they recognize sarcasm and punchlines, and they can evaluate funniness. In short, artificial intelligence is already able to recognize humour, and reacts to it accordingly. Furthermore, people laugh with humorous machines. However, it is still uncertain whether artificial intelligence can have a sense of humour or not, at least in comparison to a human sense of humour. To build bridges between AI research and philosophy of humour, this article proposes that there are (at least) five notable philosophical issues to be addressed if we are to accept that machines can have a (humanlike) sense of humour. These principles are: 1) worldview, 2) self-consciousness, 3) self-reflection, 4) self-criticism, and 5) losing control.

Keywords: artificial intelligence; humour; sense of humour; laughter; humanity (mental properties)

Free keywords: artificial intelligence; incongruity theory; humour; laughter; humanity

Contributing organizations

Related projects

Ministry reporting: Yes

Reporting Year: 2021

JUFO rating: 1