Humor may be fun, but does it have a place in actual teaching philosophy?

Michael J. Sandel, professor of government, says he uses humor underscore important points in his course, Moral Reasoning 22, "Justice."

"Humor is an important leavening device for a subject that at the same time is deeply serious. Philosophy has often worked by moving back and forth between playfulness and sobriety, and the humorous moments in the course, as well as the deeply serious moments, reflect a drama that I think is true to the subject matter," he says.

Students, however, say that his interaction with students--Sandel paces across the stage, calling on students who wish to speak--is what makes Sandel a good teacher, even more than his humor.

Sandel says the course-wide debates, which are the hallmark of the class, adds lots to the course.

"Inviting students to argue back gives the course a spontaneity that it wouldn't have if I just lectured for 50 minutes straight," he says.

Yet students see more to his teaching than just interaction and humor.