A Brief Definition of Satire

from Holman, C. Hugh. A Handbook to Literature. Indianapolis: Bobbs-Merrill, 1980 (398).

Satire is a literary manner or point of view which blends a critical attitude with humor and wit for the purpose of improving human institutions or humanity.  True satirists are conscious of the frailty of human institutions and attempt through laughter not so much to tear them down as to inspire a remodeling. 

A philosophical position can also become a target of satire by contrasting it with the satirist's view of reality or through the creation of an imaginary world that reflects the philosophy.