The mechanical mind: Bergson meets the information-processing model

Henri Bergson's well-known analysis of the humor that results from mechanic al movements of the body is extended to explain humor that results from the mechanical operation of modules in the information-processing or computer model of the mind. This paper elaborates on examples which illustrate the m echanical nature of two components of the model, depth perception and knowl edge retrieval, and discusses them in terms of Bergson's analysis. Humor sp ringing fi om the mechanical body and that springing from the mechanical mi nd are compared and contrasted; differences are noted in the function of th e humor, its effect on its target, and its implications for the relationshi p between humans and machines. A set of necessary conditions for mechanical -mind humor is proposed. Applications for education are suggested.