K O D I K A S / C O D E 44 (2021) · No. 1 - 3 Gunter Narr Verlag Tübingen Humor in Science: A Tribute to Achim Eschbach and “ denkunmögliche Bastarde ” . Henrik Dindas “ That delightful animal man seems to lose his good-humor whenever he thinks well; he becomes … serious! And where there is laughing and gaiety, thinking cannot be worth anything: ” - so speaks the prejudice of this serious animal against all “ Joyful Wisdom. ” - Well then! Let us show that it is prejudice. (Friedrich Nietzsche) Born in 1948 in Eschweiler, Germany, Achim Eschbach was an outstanding communication scientist and semiotician who will be remembered not only for his significant contributions to semiotics but also for his unique sense of humor. As a scholar, Achim Eschbach made countless contributions to academia, and his research findings have significantly advanced the understanding of the meaning of semiotics. Professor Eschbach has been a major figure in the world of German-language semiotics and has contributed significantly to the (re) development and (re)discovery of this science through his process of “ congenial reading ” (Eschbach, 2013) and with his contributions to the theory and practice of this field, especially with his expositions of Karl Bühler ’ s and Charles Sanders Peirce ’ s theories of language and signs. As a professor, author, and researcher, he has worked for decades to promote semiotics and their application as a basic science in various fields (Dindas, 2021). The choice of semiotics as the overarching science can be justified by the fact that, according to Eschbach, semiotics must be considered the important basic fundamentals of all sciences because there can be no communication that is not mediated by signs, neither in theoretical nor in practical terms (Eschbach, 2003). In this commemorative volume, the life and work of Professor Achim Eschbach will be illustrated in excerpts, and, in particular, his contribution to semiotics and its historicallysystematically significant impact on communication science will be appreciated. Semiotics, nevertheless, is neither just science nor doctrine, but rather an anti-dogmatic “ critical theory of signs in action ” (Eschbach & Sturm, 1981, p. 57). However, Achim Eschbach left a deep mark not only as a researcher but also as a person. One of his most striking characteristics was undoubtedly his sense of humor, which is reflected, as one example, in his strong interest in Samuel Beckett ’ s Theater of the Absurd (Dindas & Eschbach, 2017), while also not always pleasing everyone and anyone, because in science humor is still an underestimated or even unaccepted factor, “ understand[ing] when one contradicts the thinking style of a thinking collective is rarely career-enhancing ” (Eschbach, 2013). In a (scientific) world that often focuses on facts and data, the value of humor and levity can be easily overlooked, in the sense of “ Why waste your space on humor? ” (Friedman, 1969, p. 223). Factors such as precision, logic, and systematicity are at the forefront of research and teaching and can lead to neglect of the human side of science. However, especially when dealing with complex topics, humor can be a valuable tool to connect to other people and thus to the subject matter, to resolve misunderstandings, and to create an atmosphere of openness and creativity so as not to end up as “ bastards incapable of thinking ” (denkunmögliche Bastarde) (Eschbach, n. d.). Humor is often defined as the “ ability and willingness to react cheerfully and calmly to certain things ” (Dudenredaktion, n. d.). It is thus regarded merely as a way of coping with the stress of everyday life and increasing general well-being. In science, humor is consequently considered inappropriate or irrelevant. However, a growing body of research and publications (e. g., Bankes, 2023; Weitze et al., 2021; Yeo et al., 2020; Reiser, 2019; Völzke et al., 2017) suggests that humor should have an important place in science, both in relation to individuals and communities, because humor is as much the “ linguistic, artistic, or similar expression of an attitude of mind determined by humor, nature ” (Dudenredaktion, n. d.). In addition to the Ig Nobel Prize awarded annually at Harvard University, which recognizes achievements that first make people laugh and then make them think (Abrahams, 2002), Martin et al. ’ s (2017) study, for example, addresses the relationship between humor and creativity. The study suggests that higher levels of humor correlate with higher creativity, and the authors conclude that humor may be an important factor in fostering creativity. When considering the range of topics covered by Achim Eschbach - also in this commemorative volume - the hypothesis presented in the study can only be confirmed. Also, the promotion of cooperation is another important contribution of humor, quite without “ a slight sniff ” (p. XX in “ Jan Amos Comenius ’ Orbis sensualium pictus ” ). For example, a study by Bippus et al. (2011) examines the relationship between humor and teamwork in the workplace and finds that humor facilitates and improves communication and collaboration within a team, as humor is a kind of “ lubricant of social interaction ” (Bippus et al., 2011, cited in Yuan, 2021, p. 9). This can be especially beneficial in science, where collaboration is a necessity. However, there are also critical voices. Some argue “ [ … ] with all the greater howl [ … ] ” (p. XX in “ Ex occidente lux ” ) that too much humor in science can lead to the fact that the actual goal of the research would be neglected and that humor in certain areas, can be seen as inappropriate: “ In science itself, laughter has no place. Simply because with the excessive laughter the spirit and the mental activity stops. That is simply so [ … ] ” (Liggieri, quoted from Hinrichs, 2013). Despite these discussions, it seems that the use of humor in science, if appropriate and adapted to the particular working environment, can have many advantages: “ The public relations task of science is [ … ] to rejoin science to the mainstream of life, to humanize it, to keep it in perspective: And humor is probably the major humanizing instrument ” (Friedman, 1969, p. 224). Thus, humor can also play an important role in knowledge transfer, confirms a study by Crawford et al. (2018), which examined the relationship between humor and the effectiveness of teaching methods. The study finds that humorous teaching methods can increase student interest and engagement and improve understanding of the subject matter (Crawford et al., 2018). Consequently, humor can help Humor in Science: A Tribute to Achim Eschbach and “ denkunmögliche Bastarde ” . 27 students remember and understand the content more actively. Furthermore, humor can create a positive learning atmosphere that makes learning and knowledge transfer more enjoyable and effective. At the same time “ captivate and inspire his listeners ” (p. XX in “ Karl Bühler ’ s Axiomatics and the Axiom System of Drawing Theory ” ). The findings presented earlier suggest that humor in science can be an important tool or “ organon ” (Bühler, 1934), as Bühler would have named it, for promoting creativity, collaboration, and general well-being, and can likewise improve learning processes and enhance students ’ understanding of the subject matter. Consequently, in the scientific world, the value of humor is often (still) underestimated. Achim Eschbach was a master of humor - his pointed tongue unique. Thus, his lectures and his writing were characterized by irony, wit, and sarcasm, which often could only be recognized at a second glance. His wordplay and how he made unexpected connections delighted and inspired many students in equal measure. His humor, however, was not limited to the surface. It had a deeper meaning and could help one better understand complex issues. He conveyed a sense of humanity and openness that is rarely found in the often formal and detached world of academia. Consequently, this commemorative volume is intended not only to remember Achim Eschbach as a person, but also the importance of humor in science. We can learn from him that research and academic life are not only about hard facts, but also about humanity, openness, and the ability to laugh. We can learn from him that humor is by no means a “ Stoffentgleisung (matter fallacy) ” (p. XX in “ Distortion ” ) in the manner of a sleight of hand, but an integral part of science that can help to improve understanding and cooperation between disciplines, because humor does not only have an effect on the counterpart, it also has an inward effect (Heinrich, 2021) and ultimately “ Humour [ … ] is a most serious business, not only for coping with science, but for coping with life itself ” (Friedman, 1969, p. 224). As Achim Eschbach himself could not have put it more accurately, we humans are “ [ … ] not bees that carry their samples to their hive mates [ … ] ” (Eschbach 2003, p. 376), but rather we transcend the framework of presentation and make use of representational mediation, for example in the process of understanding what constitutes a “ bell bag ” (p. XX in “ Semiotic Notes on the Process of Understanding. Plea for an Interpretive Theory of the Sign ” ). I am grateful to be able to introduce this memorial volume for my doctoral advisor, mentor, and friend Achim (and, coincidentally, former neighbor), who always managed to inspire me anew for semiotics. Thank you for the endless discussions, suggestions of ideas, and our irreplaceable absurd conversations, as well as my countless “ aha experiences ” (Dindas, 2017, p. 98). I hope that this memorial volume will help to honor Achim Eschbach ’ s legacy as a scientist and as a human being, and to remind us all that humor can be an important part of our lives - even in science. In this spirit, I invite you to sit down and remember Achim Eschbach and his wonderful sense of humor and, as you read this volume, to “ take note slightly irritated because of our deviating everyday experiences ” (p. XX in “ Semiotic Notes on the Process of Understanding. Plea for an Interpretive Theory of the Sign ” ) and perhaps to smile a bit a time or two, “ For such bastards as are incapable of thinking, colloquial language holds ready the telling expression ‘ wooden iron ’ [ … ] ” (Eschbach, n. d.). 28 Henrik Dindas References Abrahams, M. 2002: IG Nobel Prize: The Annals of Improbable Research, London: Orion Bankes, T. 2023: “ Laughing to love science: contextualizing science comedy ” , in: HUMOR 36,1 (2023): 75 - 94 Bippus, A. M., Young, S. L., & Dunbar, N. E. 2011: “ Humor in conflict discussions: comparing partners ’ perceptions ” , Humor Int. J. Humor Res. 24, pp. 1 - 24 Bühler, K. 1934: Sprachtheorie. Die Darstellungsfunktion der Sprache, Jena: Gustav Fischer Dindas, H. 2021: “ Kommunikationsmodelle, Zeichen und Verzeichnung - Semiotische Fundamente der Kommunikationswissenschaft ” , in: Kodikas/ Code. An International Journal of Semiotics 41.3 - 4, pp. 37 - 65. Dindas, H. 2017. Gelingen und Scheitern zwischenmenschlicher Kommunikation. Semiotische Analyse von Kommunikationsmodellen am Beispiel des Werks von Samuel Beckett, Konstanz: UVK | Köln: Herbert von Halem. Dindas, H. & Eschbach, A. 2017: “ Die Verbindung Oswald Külpes zu Samuel Beckett und Charles Sanders Peirce - eine denkpsychologische Begegnung ” , in: C. R. Krauss (Ed.): Discipline Filosofiche. La scienza del pensiero. Il realismo filosofico di Oswald Külpe, Macerata: Quodlibet, pp. 64 - 80. Dudenredaktion (n. d.) “ Humor ” . Retrieved on 22.02.2023, from https: / / www.duden.de/ rechtschreibung/ Humor_Stimmung_Frohsinn Eschbach, A. (n. d.). Zur Tieferlegung der Fundamente. Unveröffentlichtes Redemanuskript. Eschbach, A. 2013: Karl Bühler: Sprachtheorie. Retrieved on 22.02.2023, from https: / / www.rkmjournal.de/ archives/ 13222 Eschbach, A. 2003: “ Semiotik und Kommunikationswissenschaft. Über die Tieferlegung der Fundamente ” , in: H. Richter & H. W. Schmitz (Eds.): Kommunikation - Ein Schlüsselbegriff der Humanwissenschaften? , Münster: Nodus, pp. 371 - 377. Eschbach, A. 1989: “ Verzeichnung ” , in: H. Sturm (Ed.). Verzeichnungen. Vom Handgreiflichen zum Zeichen, Essen: Klartext, pp. 43 - 58. Eschbach, A. & Sturm, H. (Eds.) 1981: Ästhetik und Semiotik. Zur Konstitution ästhetischer Zeichen, Tübingen: Narr. Friedman, B. 1969: “ Respect, not awe, not reverence. The editor comments ” , in: impact of science on society. Vol. XIX, No. 3, The science of humour, the humour of science, July-September, pp. 223 - 224. Heinrich, C. 2021: “ Der beste Witz der Welt. Wer humorvoll ist, gilt als kreativ und intelligent, kann für Erleichterung sorgen und Kummer lindern. Was es für einen guten Witz braucht? Vor allem die Überraschung ” . Retrieved on 22.02.2023, from https: / / www.spektrum.de/ news/ humor-der-lautstudien-beste-witz-der-welt/ 1867510 Hinrichs, D. 2013: “ Wer hier lacht, macht Verdacht ” . Retrieved on 22.02.2023, from https: / / www. deutschlandfunk.de/ wer-hier-lacht-macht-verdacht-100.html Martin, A. J., Ginns, P. & Papworth, B. 2017: “ Motivation and engagement: Same or different? Does it matter? ” , in: Learning and Individual Differences, 55, pp. 150 - 162. Niemann, P. H., Bittner, L., Schrögel, P. H. & Hauser, C. 2020. “ Science slams as edutainment: A reception study ” , in: Media and Communication, 8.1 (2020): 177 - 190. Reiser, W. 2019: “ Witzischkeit und ihre Grenzen ” , in: Cicero 03, pp. 14 - 25. Völzke, C., von Hirschhausen, E. & Fischer, F. 2017: “ Medizinisches Kabarett als Instrument der Gesundheitskommunikation ” , in: Prävention und Gesundheitsförderung 2.12 (2017): 91 - 95. Weitze, M D., Goede, W. C., Heckl, W. M. 2021: “ Zum Einstieg ” , in: Weitze, M. D., Goede, W. C., Heckl, W. M. (eds): Kann Wissenschaft witzig? , Berlin, Heidelberg: Springer Humor in Science: A Tribute to Achim Eschbach and “ denkunmögliche Bastarde ” . 29 Yeo, S. K., Anderson, A. & Cacciatoreet, M. A. 2020: “ Scientists as comedians: The effects of humor on perceptions of scientists and scientific messages ” , in: Public Understanding of Science 29.4 (2020): 408 - 418. Yuan Y. 2021: “ Leader - Employee Congruence in Humor and Innovative Behavior: The Moderating Role of Dynamic Tenure ” , in: Frontiers in Psychology 12: 579551. 30 Henrik Dindas