R. A. Aumiller is an assistant professor in the Department of Metaphysics and Philosophical Anthropology at Radboud University, The Netherlands.

“In crisis-ridden moments, critical thought must not forget to sharpen the one tool that helps us handle impossible political situations: wit. R. A. Aumiller shows us how it’s done, through an admirable return to Hegel, whose philosophical comedy remains an indispensable guidance in troublesome times. Hegel, Marx, and the Laughing Matter of Spirit demonstrates that philosophy, if it truly wants to perform its task, must practice a materialist humor that will make the spirit of time, literally, “crack up”. Only through such comical act, a change other than tragic downfall becomes possible. So, this book is indeed a matter of urgency.” —Samo TomŠič, Dresden University of Fine Arts

• Introduction A Brief History of How History Became a Laughing Matter Chapter 1 Twice-Two or Tetradic Dialectics Chapter 2 Comic Abortions and the Birth of Self Chapter 3 The Birth of Community at the Comedy of the Cross Chapter 4 Censoring Laughter Chapter 5 A Young Hegelian Comedy Chapter 6 Benjamin’s Comedy of the Damned Chapter 7 Antigone’s Disappearance Act in Yugoslavia Conclusion History’s Laugh Lines and Comic Resistance Today Acknowledgments Notes References Index

R. A. Aumiller is an assistant professor in the Department of Metaphysics and Philosophical Anthropology at Radboud University, The Netherlands.

“In crisis-ridden moments, critical thought must not forget to sharpen the one tool that helps us handle impossible political situations: wit. R. A. Aumiller shows us how it’s done, through an admirable return to Hegel, whose philosophical comedy remains an indispensable guidance in troublesome times. Hegel, Marx, and the Laughing Matter of Spirit demonstrates that philosophy, if it truly wants to perform its task, must practice a materialist humor that will make the spirit of time, literally, “crack up”. Only through such comical act, a change other than tragic downfall becomes possible. So, this book is indeed a matter of urgency.” —Samo TomŠič, Dresden University of Fine Arts

• Introduction A Brief History of How History Became a Laughing Matter Chapter 1 Twice-Two or Tetradic Dialectics Chapter 2 Comic Abortions and the Birth of Self Chapter 3 The Birth of Community at the Comedy of the Cross Chapter 4 Censoring Laughter Chapter 5 A Young Hegelian Comedy Chapter 6 Benjamin’s Comedy of the Damned Chapter 7 Antigone’s Disappearance Act in Yugoslavia Conclusion History’s Laugh Lines and Comic Resistance Today Acknowledgments Notes References Index

R. A. Aumiller is an assistant professor in the Department of Metaphysics and Philosophical Anthropology at Radboud University, The Netherlands.

“In crisis-ridden moments, critical thought must not forget to sharpen the one tool that helps us handle impossible political situations: wit. R. A. Aumiller shows us how it’s done, through an admirable return to Hegel, whose philosophical comedy remains an indispensable guidance in troublesome times. Hegel, Marx, and the Laughing Matter of Spirit demonstrates that philosophy, if it truly wants to perform its task, must practice a materialist humor that will make the spirit of time, literally, “crack up”. Only through such comical act, a change other than tragic downfall becomes possible. So, this book is indeed a matter of urgency.” —Samo TomŠič, Dresden University of Fine Arts

• Introduction A Brief History of How History Became a Laughing Matter Chapter 1 Twice-Two or Tetradic Dialectics Chapter 2 Comic Abortions and the Birth of Self Chapter 3 The Birth of Community at the Comedy of the Cross Chapter 4 Censoring Laughter Chapter 5 A Young Hegelian Comedy Chapter 6 Benjamin’s Comedy of the Damned Chapter 7 Antigone’s Disappearance Act in Yugoslavia Conclusion History’s Laugh Lines and Comic Resistance Today Acknowledgments Notes References Index