Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture
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BioShock and Philosophy
Irrational Game, Rational Book
by William Irwin
read by Heather Wynne, Alex Knox
Part of the Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture series
Considered a sign of the "coming of age" of video games as an artistic medium, the award-winning BioShock franchise covers vast philosophical ground. BioShock and Philosophy: Irrational Game, Rational Book presents expert reflections by philosophers (and BioShock connoisseurs) on this critically acclaimed and immersive fan-favorite.
• Reveals the philosophical questions raised through the artistic complexity, compelling characters, and absorbing plots of this ground-breaking first-person shooter (FPS)
• Explores what BioShock teaches the gamer about gaming, and the aesthetics of video game storytelling
• Addresses a wide array of topics including Marxism, propaganda, human enhancement technologies, political decision-making, free will, morality, feminism, transworld individuality, and vending machines in the dystopian society of Rapture
• Considers visionary game developer Ken Levine's depiction of Ayn Rand's philosophy, as well as the theories of Aristotle, de Beauvoir, Dewey, Leibniz, Marx, Plato, and others from the Hall of Philosophical Heroes
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Black Mirror and Philosophy
Dark Reflections
by Various Authors
read by Joel Richards, Emily Beresford
Part of the Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture series
Black Mirror-the Emmy-winning Netflix series that holds up a dark, digital mirror of speculative technologies to modern society-shows us a high-tech world where it is all too easy to fall victim to ever-evolving forms of social control. In Black Mirror and Philosophy, original essays written by a diverse group of scholars invite you to peer into the void and explore the philosophical, ethical, and existential dimensions of Charlie Brooker's sinister stories. The collection reflects Black Mirror's anthology structure by pairing a chapter with every episode in the show's five seasons-including an interactive, choose-your-own-adventure analysis of Bandersnatch-and concludes with general essays that explore the series' broader themes. Chapters address questions about artificial intelligence, virtual reality, surveillance, privacy, love, death, criminal behavior, and politics, including: Have we given social media too much power over our lives? Could heaven really, one day, be a place on Earth? Should criminal justice and punishment be crowdsourced? What rights should a "cookie" have?
Immersive, engaging, and experimental, Black Mirror and Philosophy navigates the intellectual landscape of Brooker's morality plays for the modern world, where humanity's greatest innovations and darkest instincts collide.
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Disney and Philosophy
Truth, Trust, and a Little Bit of Pixie Dust
by Various Authors
read by Al Kessel, Emily Ellet
Part of the Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture series
Take a magic carpet ride through Disney's wonderful world of films and entertainment experiences, and discover the wisdom within its most popular and enduring stories.
Philosophy begins in wonder, and there's no question that Disney's immersive worlds and iconic characters have enchanted generations of children and adults alike, inviting us to escape the mundane into a world of fantasy, imagination, and infinite possibility. In Disney and Philosophy, essays from thirty-two deep-thinking Disneyphiles chart a course through the philosophical world of Disney, tapping into the minds of the great sages of the ages-Plato, Aristotle, Confucius, Descartes, and Goofy-to explore universal questions of freedom, personal identity, morality, family, and friendship: Can Sleeping Beauty know that she's not dreaming? Does turning our emotions and memories "inside out" tell us who we are? What can Toy Story and Wall-E teach us about being human? Is hakuna matata really such a problem-free philosophy?
If you've ever asked who you are, what is right, or what your purpose is, Disney and Philosophy will spark your curiosity and imagination with a whole new world of unexpected insight into the Magic Kingdom.
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True Blood and Philosophy
We Wanna Think Bad Things with You
by George A. Dunn
read by Arielle DeLisle
Part of the Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture series
Teeming with complex, mythical characters in the shape of vampires, telepaths, shapeshifters, and the like, True Blood, the popular HBO series adapted from Charlaine Harris's bestselling The Southern Vampire Mysteries, has a rich collection of themes to explore, from sex and romance to bigotry and violence to death and immortality. The goings-on in the mythical town of Bon Temps, Louisiana, where vampires satiate their blood lust and openly commingle with ordinary humans, present no shortages of juicy metaphysical morsels to sink your teeth into.
Now True Blood and Philosophy calls on the minds of some of history's great thinkers to perform some philosophical bloodletting on such topics as Sookie and the metaphysics of mindreading; Maryann and sacrificial religion; werewolves, shapeshifters, and personal identity; vampire politics, evil, desire, and much more.
Smart and entertaining, True Blood and Philosophy provides food-or blood-for thought, and a fun, new way to look at the series.
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The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and Philosophy
Everything Is Fire
by Eric Bronson
read by David G. Roberts
Part of the Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture series
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and Philosophy probes the compelling philosophical issues behind the entire Millennium trilogy. What philosophies do Lisbeth Salander and Kant have in common? To catch a criminal, can Lisbeth and Mikael be criminals themselves? Can revenge be ethical? Drawing on some of history's greatest philosophical minds, this book gives fresh insights into Larsson's ingeniously plotted tale of crime and corruption.
- Looks at compelling philosophical issues such as a feminist reading of Lisbeth Salander, Aristotelian arguments for why we love revenge, how Kant can explain why so many women sleep with Mikael Blomkvist, and many more
- Includes a chapter from a colleague of Larsson's that explores Larsson's philosophical views on skepticism and quotes from never-before-seen correspondence with Larsson
- Offers new insights into the novels' key characters and investigates the author
As engrossing as the quest to free Lisbeth Salander from her past, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and Philosophy is ideal reading for anyone interested in unraveling the subtext and exploring the greater issues at work in the story.
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The Ultimate Star Trek and Philosophy
The Search for Socrates
by Various Authors
read by Elizabeth Klett, William Sarris
Part of the Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture series
• Reunites the editors of Star Trek and Philosophy with Starfleet's finest experts for thirty-one new, highly logical essays
• Features a complete examination of the Star Trek universe, from the original series to the most recent films directed by J. J. Abrams, Star Trek (2009) and Star Trek Into Darkness (2013)
• Introduces important concepts in philosophy through the vast array of provocative issues raised by the series, such as the ethics of the Prime Directive, Star Trek's philosophy of peace, Data and Voyager's Doctor as persons, moral relativism and the Federation's quest for liberation, the effect of alternate universes on reality and identity, the Borg as transhumanists, Federation Trekonomics, Star Trek's secular society, and much, much more!
• An enterprising and enlightening voyage into deep space that will appeal to hardcore fans and science fiction enthusiasts alike
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Wonder Woman and Philosophy
The Amazonian Mystique
by Various Authors
read by Tristan Morris, Natasha Soudek
Part of the Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture series
Wonder Woman and Philosophy: The Amazonian Mystique explores a wide range of philosophical questions surrounding the most popular female superhero of all time, from her creation as feminist propaganda during World War II up to the first female lead in the blockbuster DC movie-franchise.
• The first book dedicated to the philosophical questions raised by the complex and enduringly iconic super-heroine
• Fighting fascism with feminism since 1941, considers the power of Wonder Woman as an exploration of gender identity and also that of the human condition-what limits us and what we can overcome
• Confronts the ambiguities of Wonder Woman, from her roles as a feminist cause and fully empowered woman, to her objectification as sexual fantasy
• Topics explored include origin stories and identity, propaganda and art, altruism and the ethics of care, Amazonians as transhumanists, eroticism and graphic novels, the crafting of a heroine, domination, relationships, the ethics of killing and torture, and many more.
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Saturday Night Live and Philosophy
by Various Authors
read by Patrick Lawlor, Randye Kaye
Part of the Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture series
Comedian-philosophers from Socrates to Sartre have always prodded and provoked us, critiquing our most sacred institutions and urging us to examine ourselves in the process. In Saturday Night Live and Philosophy, a star-studded cast of philosophers takes a close look at the "deep thoughts" beneath the surface of NBC's award-winning late-night variety show and its hosts' zany antics. In this book, philosophy and comedy join forces, just like the Ambiguously Gay Duo, to explore the meaning of life itself through the riffs and beats of the subversive parody that gives the show its razor-sharp wit and undeniable cultural and political significance.
Our guest hosts raise some eyebrows with questions like:
• Is Weekend Update Fake News?
• Does SNL upset dominant paradigms or trap us in political bubbles?
• When it comes to SNL, how can we tell the difference between satire, smart-assery, and seriousness?
• Is the Ladies Man too stupid for moral responsibility?
• What is the benefit of jokes that cause outrage?
• The Church Lady has a bad case of moral superiority. How about you?
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Lost and Philosophy
The Island Has Its Reasons
by Sharon Kaye
read by Lindsay Ellison
Part of the Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture series
When Flight 815 crashes on a remote tropical island, it gets stuck in a philosophical quagmire. Survivors band together to guard against surreal dangers, but who will guard the guardians? Thrust into the state of nature, our scantily clad and well-tanned heroes learn that they were lost long before the crash. Watching them wrestle their demons, you may realize you're lost too. Locke, Rousseau, Hume. Who are these people? Sometimes it feels like you need a Ph.D. to follow the show. But you don't. You just need this book in which twenty-one philosophers explore the deep questions we all face as survivors on this planet: Does "everything happen for a reason"? Is torture ever justified? Who are the Others? How do we know we're not patients in Hurley's psych ward? What if the Dharma Initiative is experimenting on us? Desmond may not be able to save Charlie, but this book could save you.
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The Daily Show and Philosophy
Moments of Zen in the Art of Fake News
by Jason Holt
read by Jeff Preston
Part of the Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture series
This book brings together nineteen essays on the many moments of Zen to be found in the artful humor of The Daily Show and The Colbert Report. Want the real deal on fake news? Want to know how Jon Stewart stacks up against public intellectuals past and present? How The Daily Show hones your critical thinking skills in the war on bad media, bullshit, and political spin? Want to know more about The Daily Shows philosophy of religion? About what truthiness really means? Or how far down Stephen Colberts irony goes? Its all right here. More than just fake news, The Daily Show has achieved an undeniable cultural significance. What better way to plumb its depths than with the razor-sharp, media-savvy minds of our Senior Philosophical Correspondents?
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24 and Philosophy
The World According to Jack
by Richard Brian Davis
read by John Warren
Part of the Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture series
The Los Angeles Counter-Terrorism Unit (CTU) is on high alert now that 24 and Philosophy has been released to the public. Better hold your breath as such dangerous philosophers as Aristotle, Hobbes, Kant and Nietzsche infiltrate the CTU. Join them as they investigate Jack Bauer, asking the big questions of philosophy. Along the way, well want to know why the American Presidents trust Jack Bauer and whether they ought to? What does he have to know to cut through lies and ambiguities? When he saves lives by risking lives, is he justified or just lucky? When he puts his life on the line, is he crazy or courageous? And how could he know which knee cap to blow out to get that all-important next lead?? With the help of this volume, you don’t need a security clearance to learn about philosophy.
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The Ultimate Star Wars and Philosophy
You Must Unlearn What You Have Learned
by Various Authors
read by Joel Richards
Part of the Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture series
Does it take faith to be a Jedi? Are droids capable of thought? Should Jar Jar Binks be held responsible for the rise of the Empire? Presenting entirely new essays, no aspect of the myth and magic of George Lucas's creation is left philosophically unexamined in The Ultimate Star Wars and Philosophy.
• The editors of the original Star Wars and Philosophy strike back in this Ultimate volume that encompasses the complete Star Wars universe
• Presents the most far-reaching examination of the philosophy behind Star Wars-includes coverage of the entire film catalog to date as well as the Expanded Universe of novels, comics, television series, games and toys
• Provides serious explorations into the deeper meaning of George Lucas's philosophically rich creation
• Topics explored include the moral code of bounty-hunter favorite Boba Fett, Stoicism and the Jedi Order, the nature of the Dark Side, Anakin and Achilles in a nihilism face-off, feminism and being chained to a giant slug, cloning, de-extinction, fatherhood, Wookiees, loyalty, betrayal, guardians, republics, tyrants, terrorism, civic duty, friendship, family, and more!
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Spider-Man and Philosophy
The Web of Inquiry
by William Irwin
read by Alan Marriott
Part of the Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture series
Since Stan Lee and Marvel introduced Spider-Man in Amazing Fantasy #15 in 1962, everyone's favorite webslinger has had a long career in comics, graphic novels, cartoons, movies, and even on Broadway. In this book some of history's most powerful philosophers help us explore the enduring questions and issues surrounding this beloved superhero: Is Peter Parker to blame for the death of his uncle? Does great power really bring great responsibility? Can Spidey champion justice and be with Mary Jane at the same time? Finding your way through this web of inquiry, you'll discover answers to these and many other thought-provoking questions.
- Gives you a fresh perspective and insights on Peter Parker and Spider-Man's story lines and ideas
- Examines important philosophical issues and questions, such as: What is it to live a good life? Do our particular talents come with obligations? What role should friendship play in life? Is there any meaning to life?
- Views Spider-Man through the lens of some of history's most influential thinkers, from Aristotle, Thomas Aquinas, and Immanuel Kant to Nietzsche, William James, Ayn Rand, and Alasdair MacIntyre
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The Avengers and Philosophy
Earth's Mightiest Thinkers
by William Irwin
read by Jeremy Arthur
Part of the Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture series
An engaging look at the philosophical underpinnings of Earth's Mightiest Heroestimed for the release of Joss Whedon's long-awaited film adaptation Avengers, assemble! Tackling intriguing dilemmas and issues that no single great philosopher can withstand, this powerful book enlists the brainpower of an A-list team of history's most prominent thinkers to explore the themes behind the action of Marvel Comics' all-star superhero team. Arms you with new insights into the characters and themes of The Avengers Deepens your appreciation both of The Avengers comics and the Joss Whedon movie adaptation Answers the philosophical questions you've always had about Earth's Mightiest Heroes, including: Can a reformed criminal become a superhero? Can an android love a human? If a hero beats his wife, is he still a hero? Helps you think differently about the members of the superhero teamCaptain America, Iron Man, Thor, Hulk, Nick Fury, Hawkeye, among others This thought-provoking book will help you understand this band of superheroes better, whether you've followed the Avengers for years or are a Joss Whedon fan just getting to know them.
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The Office and Philosophy
Scenes From the Unexamined Life
by J. Jeremy Wisnewski
read by Raymond Scully
Part of the Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture series
Just when you thought paper couldn’t be more exciting, this book comes your way! This book - jammed full of paper - unites philosophy with one of the best shows ever: The Office. Addressing both the current American incarnation and the original British version, The Office and Philosophy brings these two wonders of civilization together for a frolic through the mundane yet curiously edifying worlds of Scranton’s Dunder-Mifflin and Slough’s Wernham-Hogg. Is Michael Scott in denial about death? Are Pam and Jim ever going to figure things out? Is David Brent an essentialist? Surprisingly, The Office can teach us about the mind, Aristotle, and humiliation. Even more surprisingly, paper companies can allow us to better understand business ethics. Don’t believe it? Open this book, and behold its beautiful paper Join the philosophical fray as we explore the abstract world of philosophy through concrete scenes of the unexamined life in The Office. You may discover that Gareth Keenan is secretly a brilliant logician, that Dwight Schrute is better off deceiving himself, that David Brent is an example of hyperreality, and that Michael Scott is hopelessly lost (but you probably already knew that!).
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Game of Thrones and Philosophy
Logic Cuts Deeper Than Swords
by William Irwin
read by Robin Sachs
Part of the Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture series
George R. R. Martin's New York Times bestselling epic fantasy book series, A Song of Ice and Fire, and the HBO television show adapted from it, have earned critical acclaim and inspired fanatic devotion. This book delves into the many philosophical questions that arise in this complex, character-driven series, including: Is it right for a "good" king to usurp the throne of a "bad" one and murder his family? How far should you go to protect your family and its secrets? In a fantasy universe with medieval mores and ethics, can female characters reflect modern feminist ideals?
- Gives new perspectives on the characters, storylines, and themes of Game of Thrones
- Draws on great philosophers from ancient Greece to modern America to explore intriguing topics such as the strange creatures of Westeros, the incestuous relationship of Jaime and Cersei Lannister, and what the kings of Westeros can show us about virtue and honor (or the lack thereof) as they play their game of thrones
Essential reading for fans, Game of Thrones and Philosophy will enrich your experience of your favorite medieval fantasy series.
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Inception and Philosophy
Because It's Never Just a Dream
by William Irwin
read by Charles Carroll, Ray Chase, Paul Heitsch, Christine Williams
Part of the Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture series
Is the top still spinning? Was it all a dream? In the world of Christopher Nolan's four-time Academy Award-winning movie, people can share one another's dreams and alter their beliefs and thoughts. Inception is a metaphysical heist film that raises more questions than it answers: Can we know what is real? Can you be held morally responsible for what you do in dreams? What is the nature of dreams, and what do they tell us about the boundaries of "self" and "other"? Inception and Philosophy draws from important philosophical minds to shed new light on the movie's captivating themes, including the one that everyone talks about: did the top fall down (and does it even matter)?
- Explores the movie's key questions and themes, including how we can tell if we're dreaming or awake, how to make sense of a paradox, and whether or not inception is possible
- Gives new insights into the nature of free will, time, dreams, and the unconscious mind
- Discusses different interpretations of the film, and whether or not philosophy can help shed light on which is the "right one"
- Deepens your understanding of the movie's multi-layered plot and dream-infiltrating characters
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Ultimate Lost and Philosophy
Think Together, Die Alone
by William Irwin
read by John McCormick
Part of the Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture series
Lost is more than just a popular television show; it's a complex examination of meaningful philosophical questions. What does good versus evil mean on the island? Is it a coincidence that characters John Locke and Desmond David Hume are named after actual philosophers? What is the ethics of responsibility for Jack?
An action-adventure story with more than a touch of the metaphysical, Lost forces viewers to ask difficult questions of themselves just as the story asks difficult questions of its characters. Ultimate Lost and Philosophy helps you explore the deeper meaning and philosophical questions hidden within every complex twist and turn in the historic show's entire six-season run.
- Includes every season of Lost, including 2010's final, highly anticipated season
- Connects events on the show to core philosophical issues such as truth, identity, and morality
- Explores a host of intriguing topics such as time travel, freedom, love, and loss
For fans of Lost who are interested in what the show reveals about ourselves and the human condition, Ultimate Lost and Philosophy is an entertaining, informative, and enlightening resource.
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Metallica and Philosophy
A Crash Course in Brain Surgery
by William Irwin
read by Jeff Preston
Part of the Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture series
Hit the lights and jump in the fire, you’re about to enter the School of Rock! Today’s lecture will be a crash course in brain surgery. This hard and fast lesson is taught by instructors who graduated from the old school they actually paid $5.98 for The $5.98 EP. But back before these philosophy professors cut their hair, they were lieutenants in the Metal Militia. Metallica is the thinking man’s metal band and the headbangers CNN. Snobs and music critics have often dismissed Metallica as mindless noise; were here to set the record straight. In pursuit of truth no matter where it lies, this book considers questions that philosophers have been pondering for ages, including: Does Metallicas music provide an Aristotelian catharsis or does it just make kids go postal? Can Fade to Black save you from suicide? Are we all in the Sanitarium? How can we Escape to be free? What can Nietzsche tell us about the God That Failed? What can Descartes and One tell us about the relationship between the mind and the body? Did Lars make a sound argument against Napster? Metallica is more than just a band, and this book is much more than just a ticket to ride down memory lane. This is an in-depth analysis of the soundtrack to your life. So start your CD player, fire up your iPod, or, better yet, break out the old vinyl. We’re going for a ride with the four horsemen, and a few philosophers too.
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Dune and Philosophy
Minds, Monads, and Muad'Dib
by Various Authors
read by Ariana Delawari, Nas Mehdi
Part of the Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture series
He who controls the spice controls the universe. Frank Herbert's Dune saga is the epic story of Paul, son of Duke Leto Atreides, and heir to the massive fortune promised by the desert planet Arrakis and its vast reservoirs of a drug called "spice." To control the spice, Paul and his mother Jessica, a devotee of the pseudo-religious Bene Gesserit order, must find their place in the culture of the desert-dwelling Fremen of Arrakis. Paul must contend with both the devious rival House Harkonnen and the gargantuan desert sandworms-the source of the spice. The future of the Imperium depends upon one young man who will need to lead a new jihad to control the universe.
Dune and Philosophy recruits twenty-three philosophers to sift wisdom from Frank Herbert's Duniverse, including the first of an expected series of films following Paul "Muad'Dib" Atreides and his descendants, captivatingly brought to the big screen in 2021. Substantial yet accessible chapters address philosophical questions including:
• Is it morally right to create a savior?
• Would interplanetary travel change human nature?
• In conflict, how can you stay light years ahead of your opponents?
• Does history repeat itself?
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Indiana Jones and Philosophy
by Various Authors
read by Chloe Cannon, Jonathan Yen
Part of the Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture series
If adventure has a name, it must be Indiana Jones! He's both a mild-mannered archaeology professor and an intrepid adventurer traversing the globe in search of lost artifacts. Whether seeking the Ark of the Covenant in Egypt, the Sankara Stones in India, the Holy Grail in Turkey, or a mysterious crystal skull in Peru, Indy's adventures never fail to delight audiences.
Indiana Jones and Philosophy takes you on a whirlwind journey to investigate some of the most enduring questions about the human condition. You'll learn about how Indy has wronged Marion Ravenwood, how a virtuous person would make amends, the strides Indy makes to repair his relationship with his father, why Indy distinguishes fact from truth when he pursues archaeological treasures, and much more. With trusty guides such as Aristotle, Camus, Kant, and Nietzsche at your side, you'll consider possible answers to these questions and see Indiana Jones in a whole new light!
Comprehensive, immersive, and engaging, Indiana Jones and Philosophy offers you an accessible and lively opportunity to dive deeper into the world of Indiana Jones and appreciate the character's greatness anew!
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Avatar: The Last Airbender and Philosophy
Wisdom From Aang to Zuko
by Various Authors
read by Tegan Ashton Cohan, Diontae Black
Part of the Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture series
Would our world be a better place if some of us were benders? Can Katara repair the world through care? Is Toph a disability pride icon? What does it mean for Zuko to be bad at being good? Can we tell whether uncle Iroh is a fool or a sage?
On the face of it, Avatar: The Last Airbender is a story about a lone superhero. However, saving the world is a team effort, embodied in Team Avatar, aka the Gaang. Aang needs help from his friends and tutors, even from non-human animals.
Avatar: The Last Airbender and Philosophy brings to the fore the Eastern, Western, and Indigenous philosophies that are implicit in the show. This volume features contributions by experts on Buddhist, Daoist, Confucian, and Indigenous schools of thought, next to focusing on Western classical authors. The volume is also unique in drawing on less common traditions such as black abolitionism, anarchism, and the philosophy of martial arts.
ATLA and Philosophy helps listeners to deeply engage with today's burning questions, such as how to deal with ecological destruction, the aftermath of colonialism and genocide, and wealth inequality, using the tools from a wide range of philosophical traditions.
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Arrested Development and Philosophy
They've Made a Huge Mistake
by William Irwin
read by Stephan Rudnicki, Gabrielle De Cuir
Part of the Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture series
This book steps into the void left by Arrested Development's premature demise by exploring the fascinating philosophical issues at the heart of the quirky Bluths and their comic exploits. Whether it's reflecting on Gob's self-deception or digging into Tobias's double entendres, you'll watch your favorite scenes and episodes of the show in a whole new way.
- Takes an entertaining look at the philosophical ideas and tensions in the show's plots and themes
- Gives you new insights about the Bluth family and other characters: Is George Michael's crush on his cousin unnatural? Is it immoral for Lindsay to lie about stealing clothes to hide the fact that she has a job? Are the pictures really of bunkers or balls?
- Lets you sound super-smart as you rattle off the names of great philosophers like Sartre and Aristotle to explain key characters and episodes of the show
Packed with thought-provoking insights, Arrested Development and Philosophy is essential reading for anyone who wants to know more about their late, lamented TV show. And it'll keep you entertained until the long-awaited Arrested Development movie finally comes out. (Whenever that is.)
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Twilight and Philosophy
Vampires, Vegetarians, and the Pursuit of Immortality
by Rebecca Housel
read by Rebecca Housel
Part of the Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture series
Stephenie Meyer's wildly popular Twilight is a young adult vampire romance series, in which teenaged Bella falls for a vampire, Edward, and is drawn into his and his family's morally gray universe. Bella, Edward, and their family and friends have faced countless dangers and philosophical dilemmas in the four novels of the series, and this is the first book to parse them. Twilight and Philosophy will answer these and many other questions: What do the struggles of Edward and his family of "vegetarian" vampires to control their biological urge for human blood say about free will? Are vampires morally absolved if they kill only animals and not people? Why does Plato think that Bella should choose Jacob, a werewolf and rival for her affections? Should Edward use his natural ability to read minds? From a feminist perspective, can Edward be a romantic hero or is he just a stalker?
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Mad Max and Philosophy
Thinking Through the Wasteland
by Various Authors
read by Michael Butler Murray, Nan McNamara
Part of the Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture series
Beneath the stylized violence and thrilling car crashes, the Mad Max films consider universal questions about the nature of human life, order and anarchy, justice and moral responsibility, society and technology, and ultimately, human redemption. In Mad Max and Philosophy, a diverse team of political scientists, historians, and philosophers investigates the underlying themes of the blockbuster movie franchise, following Max as he attempts to rebuild himself and the world.
This book guides you through the barren wastelands of a post-apocalyptic future as you explore ethics and politics in The Wasteland, the importance of costumes and music, humankind's relationship with nature, commerce, gender, religion, madness, and more.
- Covers all of George Miller's Mad Max films
- Discusses connections between Mad Max and major philosophers
- Follows Max's journey from policeman and family man to lost soul in search of redemption
- Examines the future of technology and possible impacts on society, the environment, and access to natural resources
- Delves into feminist themes and relationships between power and procreation
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The Hunger Games and Philosophy
A Critique of Pure Treason
by George A. Dunn
read by Vanessa Hart
Part of the Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture series
Katniss Everdeen is "the girl who was on fire," but she is also the girl who made us think, dream, question authority, and rebel. At every turn in the Hunger Games trilogy, Katniss, Peeta, Gale, and their many allies wrestle with harrowing choices and ethical dilemmas that push them to the brink. Is it okay for Katniss to break the law to ensure her family's survival? Do ordinary moral rules apply in the arena? Can the world of The Hunger Games shine a light into the dark corners of our world? Why do we often enjoy watching others suffer? How can we distinguish between what's real and not real?
- Gives you new insights into the Hunger Games series and its key characters, plot lines, and ideas
- Examines important themes such as the state of nature, war, celebrity, authenticity, and social class
- Applies the perspective of some of world's greatest minds, such as Charles Darwin, Thomas Hobbes, Friedrich Nietzsche, Plato, and Immanuel Kant to the Hunger Games trilogy
An essential companion for Hunger Games fans, this book will take you deeper into the dystopic world of Panem and into the minds and motivations of those who occupy it.
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South Park and Philosophy
You Know, I Learned Something Today
by Robert Arp
read by Jay Snyder
Part of the Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture series
If you think Saddam and Satan make a kinky couple, wait till you get a load of South Park and Philosophy. Get your Big Wheels ready, because were going for a ride, as 22 philosophers take us down the road to understanding the big-picture issues in this small mountain town. Is Dan Rather real? Should Big Gay Al be allowed to marry Mr. Slave? What does philosophy have to do with flatulence? Addressing the perennial questions of the show, and looking at the contemporary social and political issues that inspire each episode, this book unravels everything that might be wrong and could be right about South Park. Are American voters inevitably forced to choose between a turd and a douche? Does South Park’s blasphemous humor go too far? If it’s OK to ridicule Islam, is it OK to skewer Scientology? And how does Cartmanland present the problem of evil? Grab a bag of Cheesypoofs and take a seat, because you’re about to find out. South Park and Philosophy is a smart and candid look at one of television’s most subversive and controversial shows. If you like Chefs salty balls, you’ll love this book.
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Westworld and Philosophy
If You Go Looking for the Truth, Get the Whole Thing
by Various Authors
read by Eric Michael Summerer, Eva Wilhelm
Part of the Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture series
Have you ever questioned the nature of your reality? HBO's Westworld, a high-concept cerebral television series which explores the emergence of artificial consciousness at a futuristic amusement park, raises numerous questions about the nature of consciousness and its bearing on the divide between authentic and artificial life. Are our choices our own? What is the relationship between the mind and the body? Why do violent delights have violent ends? Could machines ever have the moral edge over man? Does consciousness create humanity, or humanity consciousness?
In Westworld and Philosophy, philosophers, filmmakers, scientists, activists, and ethicists ask the questions you're not supposed to ask and suggest the answers you're not supposed to know. There's a deeper level to this game, and this book charts a course through the maze of the mind, examining how we think about humans, hosts, and the world around us on a journey toward self-actualization. Essays explore different facets of the show's philosophical puzzles, including the nature of autonomy as well as the pursuit of liberation and free thought, while levying a critical eye at the human example as Westworld's hosts ascend to their apotheosis in a world scarred and defined by violent acts.
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Batman and Philosophy
The Dark Knight of the Soul
by Robert Arp
read by Mark D. White
Part of the Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture series
Being a crime fighting superhero is a tough job and it comes with no shortage of social and moral responsibilities. Why doesn’t Batman just kill the Joker once and for all? If killing the Joker would mean saving thousands of innocent lives, why is this decision so difficult for Batman? Weighing the morality between right and wrong is just the tip of the iceberg in this fascinating and penetrating look at America’s favorite caped crusader. Batman and Philosophy parses the answers to questions about Batman’s secret identity, his confrontation with death and angst, the weighty conscience of the Bat, the social order in Gotham City, and the eternal question: What Would Batman Do? Batman has grown from a comic book character into a franchise and merchandise goliath, spinning off live action and animated TV shows, Hollywood blockbusters, videogames, action figures, and an endless array of merchandising. Timed to publish with the release of the new Batman movie in 2008, Batman and Philosophy takes a deeper look at the famous caped crusader, offering entertaining answers to the fascinating ethical questions everyone has always had about the man behind the mask.
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House and Philosophy
Everybody Lies
by William Irwin
read by Henry Jacoby
Part of the Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture series
House is one of the top three television dramas on the air, pulling in more than 19 million viewers for each episode. This latest book in the popular Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture series takes a deeper look at the characters and issues raised in this Emmy Award-winning medical drama. How can a rude diagnostician also be a zen rhetorician? Do House and Socrates agree on the necessity of conflict? What is the meaning of life according to House? House and Philosophy offers entertaining answers to these and other fascinating questions viewers have about Dr. Gregory House and his medical team.
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The Ultimate Harry Potter and Philosophy
Hogwarts for Muggles
by Gregory Bassham
read by Susan Duerden
Part of the Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture series
A philosophical exploration of the entire seven-book Harry Potter series.
Harry Potter has been heralded as one of the most popular book series of all time and the philosophical nature of Harry, Hermione, and Ron's quest to rid the world of its ultimate evil is one of the many things that make this series special. The Ultimate Harry Potter and Philosophy covers all seven titles in J. K. Rowling's groundbreaking series to discuss life after death, to consider what moral reasoning drove Harry to choose death, and to debate whether Sirius Black is a man or a dog.
This book will be the definitive guide for all fans looking to appreciate the series on a deeper level.
- Covers a range of intriguing topics such as the redemption of Severus Snape, the power of love, and destiny in the wizarding world
- Gives you a new perspective on Harry Potter characters, plot lines, and themes
- Makes a perfect companion to the Harry Potter books and movies
Packed with interesting ideas and insights, The Ultimate Harry Potter and Philosophy is an ideal companion for anyone interested in unraveling the subtext and exploring the greater issues at work in the story.
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The Big Lebowski and Philosophy
Keeping Your Mind Limber with Abiding Wisdom
by Peter S. Fosl
read by Darren Stephens
Part of the Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture series
Is the Dude a bowling-loving stoner or a philosophical genius living the good life? Naturally, it's the latter, and The Big Lebowski and Philosophy explains why. Enlisting the help of great thinkers like Plato and Nietzsche, the book explores the movie's hidden philosophical layers, cultural reflection, and political commentary. It also answers key questions, including: The Dude abides, but is abiding a virtue? Is the Dude an Americanized version of the Taoist way of life? How does The Big Lebowski illustrate the Just War Theory? How does bowling help Donny, Walter, and the Dude oppose nihilism? Yes, the Dude is deep, and so is this book. Don't watch the movie-or go to Lebowski Fest-without it.
• Explores many of The Big Lebowski's key themes, such as nihilism, war and politics, money and materialism, idealism and morality, history, and more
• Gives you new perspective on the movie's characters-the Dude, the Big Lebowski, Walter Sobchak, Donny, Maude Lebowski, Bunny Lebowski, and others
• Helps you appreciate the Coen Brothers classic even more with the insights of Aristotle, Epicurus, Kant, Derrida, and other philosophical heavyweights
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Family Guy and Philosophy
by J. Jeremy Wisnewski
read by Bill Dewees
Part of the Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture series
That’s right. Wave done it. Wave brought together lowbrow, potty-mouthed, cartoon humor and highbrow philosophical reflection. Ok, it’s not that highbrow, but the results are outrageously delicious. In Family Guy and Philosophy we tackle the perennial positions of the show and contemplate a little philosophy to boot! Is Family Guy really a vehicle for conservative politics? What’s so funny about dysfunctional families? Should we all be offended by the show? This book gathers original essays from premier philosophers to get behind the punchlines and find out what were really laughing at. And of course we dive into the philosophy of the cast as well, asking the important questions, like: What the hell is wrong with Stewie? Who is more human, Peter or Brian? Is Lois a feminist? Is there anything virtuous about Quagmire? Family Guy and Philosophy takes an introspective look at what this show can teach us about the ego, ethics, religion, death, and of course, time-travel, and delivers a merciless exploration of one of TVs most unrelenting families.
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Iron Man and Philosophy
Facing the Stark Reality
by William Irwin
read by Adam Verner
Part of the Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture series
On the surface, Iron Man appears to be a straightforward superhero, another rich guy fighting crime with fancy gadgets. But beneath the shiny armor and flashy technology lies Tony Stark, brilliant inventor and eccentric playboy, struggling to balance his desires, addictions, and relationships with his duties as the Armored Avenger. Iron Man and Philosophy explores the many philosophical issues that emerge from the essential conflicts found in the decades of Iron Man stories in comics and movies. What kind of moral compass does Tony Stark have? Is Iron Man responsible for the death of Captain America after the Marvel Universe Civil War? Should people like Stark run the world? How does Tony’s alcoholism impact his performance as Iron Man, and what does it say about moral character? Ultimately, what can Iron Man teach us about the role of technology in society?
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Star Wars and Philosophy Strikes Back
This Is the Way
by Various Authors
read by Al Kessel
Part of the Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture series
This is the Way. In Star Wars and Philosophy Strikes Back, the Way wends through entirely new adventures in the Star Wars galaxy far, far away: not only the films of the Skywalker saga, but also Rebels, The Bad Batch, Rogue One, Solo, and The Mandalorian. Like the creators of these films and television series, the authors in this book harness the magical mix of humor, action, empathy, characterization, adventure, and fan service that constitutes Star Wars.
In addition to thorny metaphysical questions about the nature of time and free will, this volume highlights the staggering cultural impact of George Lucas's universe. The newest Star Wars narratives tackle ethnicity on alien worlds and how love and sex with a droid like L3-37 would work ("It works"). The connections between the Separatist Freedom Movement and the struggle for social justice in the USA in the twenty-first century are brought to light. And philosophical second looks at Rian Johnson's The Last Jedi prove there is much more to this controversial entry in the Skywalker saga.
Thirty-six philosophers, both sages and scoundrels among them, examine the full range of deep questions throughout the Star Wars chronology-from The Phantom Menace to The Rise of Skywalker and beyond. "They have spoken."
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The Good Place and Philosophy
Everything is Forking Fine!
by Various Authors
read by Amy McFadden, Joe Hempel
Part of the Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture series
Dive into the moral philosophy at the heart of all four seasons of NBC's The Good Place, guided by academic experts, including the show's philosophical consultants Pamela Hieronymi and Todd May, and featuring a foreword from creator and showrunner Michael Schur.
- Explicitly dedicated to the philosophical concepts, questions, and fundamental ethical dilemmas at the heart of the thoughtful and ambitious NBC sitcom The Good Place.
- Navigates the murky waters of moral philosophy in more conceptual depth to call into question what Chidi's ethics lessons-and the show-get right about learning to be a good person.
- Engages classic philosophical questions, including the clash between utilitarianism and deontological ethics in the "Trolley Problem," Kant's categorical imperative, Sartre's nihilism, and T. M. Scanlon's contractualism.
- Explores themes such as death, love, moral heroism, free will, responsibility, artificial intelligence, fatalism, skepticism, virtue ethics, perception, and the nature of autonomy in the surreal heaven-like afterlife of the Good Place.
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