Aristotle On Ridicule

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…represents a range of humor and wit, from the harmless joke to sarcasm. This does not fit the usual understanding of ridicule, however. In conclusion, the argument about the meaning of ridicule seems a little unclear, as if Aristotle is still thinking out his argument. But he concludes that in a circle of wise people, gentle good humor is always welcome. Ridicule, on the other hand, needs to be regulated in order to be acceptable.