- Shopping Bag ( 0 items )
Behind the cool costumes, special powers, and unflagging determination to fight evil you'll find fascinating philosophical questions and concerns deep in the hearts and minds of your favorite comic book heroes.
Why doesn't Batman just kill the Joker and end everyone's misery? Does Peter Parker have a good life? What can Iron Man teach us about the role of technology in society? Bringing together key chapters from books in the Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture series, this free superhero sampler engages the intellectual might of big thinkers like Aristotle and Kant to answer these questions and many others, giving you new insights on everything from whether Superman is truly an American icon to whether Wolverine is the same person when he loses his memory.
• Features exclusive bonus content: all-new chapters on Captain America and Thor
• Gives you a sneak peek at upcoming books: Avengers and Philosophy, Spider-Man and Philosophy, and Superman and Philosophy
• Includes superheroes from both the DC and Marvel universes: the Avengers, Batman, Captain America, Green Lantern, Iron Man, Spider-Man, Superman, Thor, Watchmen, and the X-Men
• Gives you a perfect introduction to the Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture series (learn more at www.andphilosophy.com) FOR FREE!
Whether you're looking for answers or looking for fun, this classic compilation will save the day by helping you gain a deeper appreciation of your favorite comics with an introduction to basic philosophical principles.
storyjunkie
Posted October 1, 2011
This was a pretty solid collection, with a nice range of topics, writing styles, and target superheroes. There were instances of groan-worthy punning, and attempts at lightness that fell flat. It's the same danger with any discussion about comic books - the medium's stereotype of humor getting in the way of the content actually being presented. My particular favorite essays were: William Irwin's introduction, which resonated with me as a long-time superhero-comics reader. Mark D. White's "Lord Odin Have Mercy: Justice and Punishment in Asgard" for looking at the morals behind the superhero trope of meting Justice. Jason Southworth's "The Blackest Night for Aristotle's Account of Emotions" for putting the rainbow-colored warfare of the comics into a comparative framework that's not all about who beats whom. Jacob M. Held's "Can We Steer This Rudderless World?: Kant, Rorschach, Retributivism, and Honor" for the frank discussion of Rorschach's worldview and why he fits so well, and so poorly, in the world of Watchmen - and potentially why he's still the fan-favorite. Daniel P. Malloy's "Forgivers Assemble" - particularly interesting in conjunction with discussions of the criminal justice system that have been in the news I read lately. A nice discussion about who is allowed to forgive, and when it's permissible to have ex-supervillains on your superheroes team. Neil Mussett's "Does Peter Parker Have a Good Life?" which talks about what makes a good life, the sacrifices of a superhero life, and Peter Parker's long-standing status as what fans refer to as "the woobie" (Mussett never uses the term, but I don't know how to short-hand it any better). the NOOK Book version has clunky navigation, having "Contents" links only to the larger sections (Part One, Part Two, etc), rather than each essay being treated as a chapter. In order to jump to a specific essay (rather than a specific bookmark), I need to navigate back to the table of contents, and use the links there. (review also posted at LibraryThing)
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Felix94
Posted August 16, 2011
Not what i thought it would be when i downloaded. It's a sociology book with superheroes sprinkled in.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.While the cover saya "free preview" it appears to be the whole book (145 pages). My son and found this a fun read and a great conversation starter.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted May 14, 2012
Why in the hell would you read this to a five year old? It envolves philosophy you swine. Instead of giving the essay a bad rating rate your thought process.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted March 5, 2012
If you are even remotely interested in both superheroes and philosophy, then read this book.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted February 22, 2012
I have never been a gigantic fan of philosophy but i am a fan of comic books and the characters that inhabit them. This book looks at certain philosophica questions and then connects them to superheroses such as batman green lantern etc. An interesting read. And its freel
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted January 13, 2012
Bad words and a chapter book.I was going to read this to a 5 year old.Not going to happen!
Anonymous
Posted August 17, 2011
Just for kids
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted March 4, 2012
No text was provided for this review.
Anonymous
Posted November 9, 2011
No text was provided for this review.
Anonymous
Posted January 29, 2012
No text was provided for this review.
Anonymous
Posted September 22, 2011
No text was provided for this review.
Anonymous
Posted March 14, 2012
No text was provided for this review.
Anonymous
Posted April 12, 2012
No text was provided for this review.
Anonymous
Posted September 5, 2011
No text was provided for this review.
Anonymous
Posted May 22, 2012
No text was provided for this review.
Anonymous
Posted December 23, 2011
No text was provided for this review.
Anonymous
Posted March 29, 2012
No text was provided for this review.
LendMe™
Overview
Explore the philosophical depths of Batman, Superman, Captain America, and your other favorite superheroes—FOR FREE!Behind the cool costumes, special powers, and unflagging determination to fight evil you'll find fascinating philosophical questions and concerns deep in the hearts and minds of your favorite comic book heroes.
Why doesn't Batman just kill the Joker and end everyone's misery? Does Peter Parker have a good life? What can Iron Man teach us about the role of technology in society? Bringing together key chapters from books in the Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture series, this free superhero sampler engages the intellectual might of big ...