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BBC Radio 4 Extra

Jokester by Isaac Asimov

Drama: SciFi & Fantasy

Isaac Asimov's Jokester

BBC Radio 4 Extra - Jokester by Isaac Asimov

Can the vast Multivac computer explain where man's sense of humour comes from?

Vast computer Multivac runs global affairs, but can it explain where man's sense of humour comes from? Read by Henry Goodman.

In the not too distant future, technology has advanced to the point where global affairs are now managed by a huge computer called Multivac. 

It can provide the answers to all questions - from what to have for breakfast, to the meaning of life. 

Where does man's sense of humour come from? 

What if it's the product of some secret anthropological study and what happens when this secret is uncovered? 

The human race faces a world without laughter in this philosophical debate.

Isaac Asimov’s short story was first published in 1956. The Multivac computer features in 16 of his writings. 

Read by Henry Goodman.

Producer: Gemma Jenkins

Made for BBC 7 and first broadcast in March 2006.

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