The most recurrent use of the term absurd occurs when you want to refer to that which does not make sense or that is opposed and is contrary to reason, be it a fact, an action or a saying of someone.
” The theory that the investigator has proposed about the case is really absurd.”
That which makes no sense and is opposed to reason and logic
The term has a Latin origin absurdum, where precisely surdum means deaf, which we know can refer to what is not heard or does not sound as it should.
This original reference had to be extended to refer to those issues that do not present coherence or are not understood, that appear ridiculous, absurd and even irrational, depending on the severity of the cases.
The absurd is said to be absolutely against logic, that is, something absurd can be what it denies and then affirms.
It is impossible, as we know, that something is accepted and not accepted at the same time, therefore, if it is done it will be considered as absurd.
An example so that there are no doubts, something absurd would be for Maria to accept my invitation to go out and after two seconds she rejects it, without there being any coherent reason to do so.
We could also say that it is absurd for someone to want to dedicate themselves to medicine without having followed and passed the degree.
On the other hand, the term is also frequently used to account for what is characterized by being extravagant, irrational, arbitrary, contradictory, crazy and irregular.
It is usually used in relation to garments or ornaments that someone wears or with which they provide their home, respectively.
Meanwhile, he is also called absurd fact or said irrational or certainly opposed to reason.
“His behavior in the meeting, getting up in the middle of it and lowering his pants in front of everyone was a real absurdity that no one amused.”
At the behest of the Logic the absurd is a set of propositions that inevitably lead to the negation of the same.
Now, we must say that there are many questions that in past times could have been considered absurd but that today may not be at all.
Technological advances and the contributions that science brought in many areas have generated that several issues that could previously be seen as illogical today are not at all, and even more so, are absolutely possible and real.
Use in humor through the introduction of incoherent or nonsensical elements
In another vein, the absurd is a frequently used literary technique especially in those humorous or parodic texts and that basically consists of the introduction of incoherent elements within a predictable framework.
Many cultural movements that have passed through history have made use of the absurd at some point; for example the pataphysics, developed in the second half of twentieth century and which was characterized by proposing a kind of parodic science that was dedicated to the study of imaginary solutions and laws that regulate exceptions.
But in addition, the term can be found associated with others, such is the case of absurd humor, which is a type of comedy that emphasizes crazy or incoherent situations to make the audience laugh.
This genre is based especially on exaggerating situations to the limit of making no sense and that this is what makes them super fun for the public that appreciates them.
For example, a scene in which a person attends the doctor and this instead of being a professional human being is a dog that pretends to be a doctor, even appears dressed in the typical doctor's apron, it will certainly be absurd but typical content of this type of proposal.
The absurdity can be increased if that medical dog checks the patient and diagnoses him.
The British group Monty pyton , which exerted its influence in the middle between the years 1969 and 1983 , is one of the greatest exponents of this type of humor.
Philosophy: the absolute does not exist
The absurdism or philosophy of the absurd It is inspired by the belief that the absolute and predetermined meaning of the universe in relation to man does not exist; characterized then by its skepticism regarding the universal principles of existence.
This philosophical current is closely linked to existentialism. It has been promoted by the French philosopher and writer Albert Camus once he decided to separate himself from existentialism.
And finally, the theater of the absurd It is a concept that is used to refer to a set of works written by a group of playwrights in the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s.
