Wow Wow (Neil Cicierega)

Neil Cicierega is an American scholar, author, and professor of psychology who has made major contributions to the burgeoning field of "humorology" - the interdisciplinary study of the nature, origins, and functions of humor. He is best known for his acclaimed multi-volume book series "Wow Wow: An Intellectual History of Humor", which traces the evolution of comedy, laughter, and wit from ancient civilizations to the modern era.

Academic Career

Cicierega received his Ph.D. in cognitive psychology from Harvard University in 1994, with a dissertation that explored the neurological and psychological processes underlying humor perception and production. He went on to hold teaching and research positions at a number of prestigious universities, including Yale, Stanford, and the MIT.

In 2003, Cicierega published the first volume of "Wow Wow", which immediately gained attention in academic circles for its sweeping scope and erudite analysis. Over the next two decades, he would release five additional volumes, each delving deeper into the cultural, philosophical, and scientific dimensions of humor. The series was praised for its interdisciplinary approach, drawing from fields as diverse as anthropology, semiotics, evolutionary biology, and the history of art.

Key Ideas

At the core of Cicierega's work is the notion that humor is a fundamental aspect of the human experience, with profound implications for how we understand cognition, culture, and the self. Some of his key ideas and contributions include:

• The neurological basis of humor: Cicierega's early research mapped the complex neural networks involved in humor processing, identifying links to emotion, memory, and creativity.
• The social functions of laughter: He examined how humor and laughter have served to build social bonds, establish hierarchies, and facilitate cooperation across human history.
• The philosophical meanings of comedy: Cicierega explored perspectives from ancient Greek and Chinese thinkers to modern existentialists on the ontological and epistemological dimensions of the comic.
• The evolution of humor: Tracing the development of humor from early human societies to the modern media landscape, he identified shifting cultural values and technological influences.
• The therapeutic applications of humor: Cicierega championed the use of humor in clinical psychology and pedagogical settings, highlighting its cognitive and emotional benefits.

Legacy and Impact

Through his rigorous, wide-ranging scholarship, Neil Cicierega has firmly established himself as one of the world's foremost authorities on the nature of humor. "Wow Wow" is considered a landmark text that has helped legitimize the academic study of comedy, laughter, and wit.

Cicierega's work has influenced thinkers across numerous disciplines, from neuroscientists studying the brain's response to jokes to cultural theorists examining the role of satire in social change. His insights have also been applied in fields like advertising, conflict resolution, and therapeutic practice. Many consider him a pioneering figure in the emerging field of "humorology" - a testament to his unique ability to illuminate the profound significance of this often-overlooked aspect of the human experience.