Information Normalization Theory
Alastair Clarke

Clarke’s latest theory is a significant departure from pattern recognition. Adopting a contrary stance, a convincing case is made for the foundation of humour being located in the brain’s responses to misinformation, whether communicated by wilful deception or innocent error.

Because human beings are more dependent on instruction and cultural inheritance for their behaviour than any other species, the nature and reliability of the information the individual receives radically affects their chances of survival. In order to compensate for that which is either intentionally or inadvertently misleading to the brain, humour encourages a valuable circumspection by rewarding the normalization of dubious data from deceptive or confusing to informative and useful.

Information Normalization Theory examines the evolutionary basis for such a case and then suggests a schematic neurological mechanism by which the system could operate, whereby the brain identifies and then neutralizes certain forms of confusion that might otherwise lead to potentially damaging instances of misfiling or misconception.

Further publications in Clarke’s series on humour