A Definition of Satire (And Why a Definition Matters)

There is a consensus that satire cannot be defined, but is best characterised by a cluster account.

However, I argue that a cluster account does not acknowledge the artistically and politically significant

distinction between real satire and some forms of frivolous topical comedy which are casually labelled

‘satire’ in international media contexts. To uphold this distinction, I introduce a weak proposal that

satire is a genre which necessarily sets out to critique and entertain (with the qualification that these

purposes necessarily interact, although neither is wholly instrumental to the other). I further argue

that this proposal also provides necessary and sufficient conditions for a definition of satire.