# Toward a Quantum Theory of Humor

## TL;DR

This paper introduces a quantum-theoretic framework to model cognitive humor, representing joke interpretations as superpositions in a Hilbert space, and demonstrates its viability through initial empirical testing.

## Contribution

It presents the first quantum-based model of humor, applying superposition principles to understand joke interpretation and context effects.

## Key findings

- Quantum model fits participant responses to jokes
- Superposition captures ambiguity in humor comprehension
- Initial results support quantum approach as viable

## Abstract

This paper proposes that cognitive humor can be modeled using the mathematical framework of quantum theory. We begin with brief overviews of both research on humor, and the generalized quantum framework. We show how the bisociation of incongruous frames or word meanings in jokes can be modeled as a linear superposition of a set of basis states, or possible interpretations, in a complex Hilbert space. The choice of possible interpretations depends on the context provided by the set-up vs. the punchline of a joke. We apply the approach to a verbal pun, and consider how it might be extended to frame blending. An initial study of that made use of the Law of Total Probability, involving 85 participant responses to 35 jokes (as well as variants), suggests that the Quantum Theory of Humor (QTH) proposed here provides a viable new approach to modeling humor.