The Bonds of Laughter: A Multidisciplinary Inquiry into the Information Processes of Human Laughter

Abstract

A new core hypothesis on laughter is presented. It has been built by putting together ideas from several disciplines: neurodynamics, evolutionary neurobiology, paleoanthropology, social networks, and communication studies. The hypothesis contributes to ascertain the evolutionary origins of human laughter in connection with its cognitive emotional signaling functions. The new behavioral and neurodynamic tenets introduced about this unusual sound feature of our species justify the ubiquitous presence it has in social interactions and along the life cycle of the individual. Laughter, far from being a curious evolutionary relic or a rather trivial innate behavior, should be considered as a highly efficient tool for inter-individual problem solving and for maintenance of social bonds.