Ethical Fourier Transform
Explanation
The Joke
The comic proposes an "Ethical Fourier Transform" — a mathematical operation that decomposes any moral argument into its component frequencies of selfishness. Just as a Fourier transform breaks a complex wave into simple sine waves, the Ethical Fourier Transform would break any moral argument into its underlying selfish motivations.
The implication is that when you decompose most moral positions this way, they turn out to be almost entirely self-interest dressed up in ethical language.
The Humor
The joke works on multiple levels. First, it's a math/engineering joke that requires knowing what a Fourier transform actually does — it decomposes complex signals into simpler periodic components. Applying this concept to ethics is absurd but also feels uncomfortably apt.
Second, there's a genuine cynical insight: many moral arguments are rationalizations for self-interest, and if you could mathematically decompose them, the "selfishness spectrum" would probably be illuminating.
Technical Background
A Fourier transform is a mathematical operation that converts a function of time (a signal) into a function of frequency (a spectrum). It's fundamental to signal processing, physics, and engineering. The joke assumes the reader knows enough about Fourier transforms to appreciate the analogy — SMBC's audience skews heavily toward STEM fields, so this is a safe bet.
Context
This is a classic example of SMBC's signature move: taking a concept from mathematics or physics and applying it metaphorically to human behavior in a way that is both funny and genuinely insightful.