Superheroes and Philosophy

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Publisher : ReadHowYouWant.com
ISBN 13 : 1459601130
Total Pages : 470 pages
Book Rating : 4.4/5 (596 download)

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Book Synopsis Superheroes and Philosophy by : Tom Morris

Download or read book Superheroes and Philosophy written by Tom Morris and published by ReadHowYouWant.com. This book was released on 2010-10 with total page 470 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Great Caesars Ghost!! A team of Brainiacs! Superheroes and Philosophy is Kryptonite for those super villains who diss the heroes as lightweights! Riddle me this, Batman: How are Gotham City and Metropolis like ancient Athens and modern Paris? Read this sensational book and find out!

Superhero Thought Experiments

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Publisher :
ISBN 13 : 1609386558
Total Pages : 232 pages
Book Rating : 4.6/5 (93 download)

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Book Synopsis Superhero Thought Experiments by : Chris Gavaler

Download or read book Superhero Thought Experiments written by Chris Gavaler and published by . This book was released on 2019 with total page 232 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "What if there's an alternative universe with a different moral code? What if we are being deceived by an evil genius? Examining the deep philosophical topics addressed in superhero comics, this entertaining book reads plot lines for the complex "thought experiments" they contain and analyzes their implications as if the comic authors were philosophers. In doing so, authors Chris Gavaler and Nathaniel Goldberg--a comics expert and a philosophy scholar, respectively--find that superhero comics often depict philosophical thought experiments more fully than philosophers do, and with surprising results. For example, René Descartes briefly worries that we are being deceived by an evil genius, but Marvel Comics explores this concern--and its consequences--over decades. Similarly, in a few paragraphs philosophers Terry Horgan and Mark Timmons imagine a "moral twin earth" with deviant morality, while DC Comics dedicates multiple comics to different moral twin earths in which readers see multiple deviant moralities play out"--

Comics as Philosophy

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Publisher : Univ. Press of Mississippi
ISBN 13 : 9781604730661
Total Pages : 274 pages
Book Rating : 4.7/5 (36 download)

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Book Synopsis Comics as Philosophy by : Jeff McLaughlin

Download or read book Comics as Philosophy written by Jeff McLaughlin and published by Univ. Press of Mississippi. This book was released on 2005 with total page 274 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Through the combination of text and images, comic books offer a unique opportunity to explore deep questions about aesthetics, ethics, and epistemology in nontraditional ways. The essays in this collection focus on a wide variety of genres, from mainstream superhero comics, to graphic novels of social realism, to European adventure classics. Included among the contributions are essays on existentialism in Daniel Clowes's graphic novel "Ghost World," ecocriticism in Paul Chadwick's long-running "Concrete" series, and political philosophies in Herge's perennially popular "The Adventures of Tintin." Modern political concerns inform Terry Kading's discussion of how superhero comics have responded to 9/11 and how the genre reflects the anxieties of the contemporary world. Essayists also explore the issues surrounding the development and appreciation of comics. Amy Kiste Nyberg examines the rise of the Comics Code, using it as a springboard for discussing the ethics of censorship and child protection in America. Stanford W. Carpenter uses interviews to analyze how a team of Marvel artists and writers reimagined the origin of one of Marvel's most iconic superheroes, Captain America. Throughout, essayists in Comics as Philosophy show how well the form can be used by its artists and its interpreters as a means of philosophical inquiry. Jeff McLaughlin is assistant professor of philosophy at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, British Columbia."

Heroes and Philosophy

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Publisher : John Wiley & Sons
ISBN 13 : 0470730390
Total Pages : 312 pages
Book Rating : 4.4/5 (77 download)

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Book Synopsis Heroes and Philosophy by : David K. Johnson

Download or read book Heroes and Philosophy written by David K. Johnson and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2009-07-23 with total page 312 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The first unauthorized look at the philosophy behind Heroes, one of TV's most popular shows When ordinary individuals from around the world inexplicably develop superhuman abilities, they question who they are, struggle to cope with new responsibilities, and decide whether to use their new power for good or for evil. Every episode of Tim Kring's hit TV show Heroes is a philosophical quandary. Heroes and Philosophy is the first book to analyze how philosophy makes this show so compelling. It lets you examine questions crucial to our existence as thinking, rational beings. Is the Company evil, or good? Does Hiro really have a destiny? Do we? Is it okay to lie in order to hide your powers or save the world? Heroes and Philosophy offers answers to these and other intriguing questions. Brings the insight of history's philosophical heavyweights such as Plato and Nietzche to Heroes characters and settings Adds a fun and fascinating dimension to your understanding of the show Expands your thinking about Heroes as the series expands from graphic and text novels to action figures and a video game Whether you're new to Heroes or have been a fan since day one, this book will take your enjoyment of the show to the next level.

Batman and Philosophy

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Publisher : John Wiley & Sons
ISBN 13 : 0470532807
Total Pages : 304 pages
Book Rating : 4.4/5 (75 download)

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Book Synopsis Batman and Philosophy by : Mark D. White

Download or read book Batman and Philosophy written by Mark D. White and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2009-05-04 with total page 304 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Why doesn't Batman just kill the Joker and end everyone's misery? Can we hold the Joker morally responsible for his actions? Is Batman better than Superman? If everyone followed Batman's example, would Gotham be a better place? What is the Tao of the Bat? Batman is one of the most complex characters ever to appear in comic books, graphic novels, and on the big screen. What philosophical trials does this superhero confront in order to keep Gotham safe? Combing through seventy years of comic books, television shows, and movies, Batman and Philosophy explores how the Dark Knight grapples with ethical conundrums, moral responsibility, his identity crisis, the moral weight he carries to avenge his murdered parents, and much more. How does this caped crusader measure up against the teachings of Plato, Aristotle, Kant, Kierkegaard, and Lao Tzu?

The Virtues of Captain America

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Publisher : John Wiley & Sons
ISBN 13 : 1118619250
Total Pages : 256 pages
Book Rating : 4.1/5 (186 download)

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Book Synopsis The Virtues of Captain America by :

Download or read book The Virtues of Captain America written by and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2014-01-27 with total page 256 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The first look at the philosophy behind the CaptainAmerica comics and movies, publishing in advance of themovie release of Captain America: The WinterSolider in April 2014. In The Virtues of Captain America, philosopher andlong-time comics fan Mark D. White argues that the core principles,compassion, and judgment exhibited by the 1940’s comic bookcharacter Captain America remain relevant to the modern world.Simply put, "Cap" embodies many of the classical virtues that havebeen important to us since the days of the ancient Greeks: honesty,courage, loyalty, perseverance, and, perhaps most importantly,honor. Full of entertaining examples from more than 50 years ofcomic books, White offers some serious philosophical discussions ofeveryone’s favorite patriot in a light-hearted and accessibleway. Presents serious arguments on the virtues of Captain Americawhile being written in a light-hearted and often humorous tone Introduces basic concepts in moral and political philosophy tothe general reader Utilizes examples from 50 years of comics featuring CaptainAmerica, the Avengers, and other Marvel superheroes Affirms the value of "old-fashioned" virtues for the modernworld without indulging in nostalgia for times long passed Reveals the importance of the sound principles that America wasfounded upon Publishing in advance of Captain America: The WinterSoldier out in April 2014.

Superhero Ethics

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Publisher : Templeton Foundation Press
ISBN 13 : 1599475529
Total Pages : 168 pages
Book Rating : 4.5/5 (994 download)

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Book Synopsis Superhero Ethics by : Travis Smith

Download or read book Superhero Ethics written by Travis Smith and published by Templeton Foundation Press. This book was released on 2018-06-01 with total page 168 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Whether in comic books or on movie screens, superhero stories are where many people first encounter questions about how they should conduct their lives. Although these outlandish figures—in their capes, masks, and tights, with their unbelievable origins and preternatural powers—are often dismissed as juvenile amusements, they really are profound metaphors for different approaches to shaping one’s character and facing the challenges of life. But, given the choice, which superhero should we follow today? Who is most worthy of our admiration? Whose goals are most noble? Whose ethics should we strive to emulate? To decide, Travis Smith takes ten top superheroes and pits them one against another, chapter by chapter. The hero who better exemplifies how we ought to live advances to the final round. By the end of the book, a single superhero emerges victorious and is crowned most exemplary for our times. How, then, shall we live? How can we overcome our beastly nature and preserve our humanity? (The Hulk vs. Wolverine) How far can we rely on our willpower and imagination to improve the human condition? (Iron Man vs. Green Lantern) What limits must we observe when protecting our neighborhood from crime and corruption? (Batman vs. Spider-Man) Will the pursuit of an active life or a contemplative life bring us true fulfillment? (Captain America vs. Mr. Fantastic) Should we put our faith in proven tradition or in modern progress to achieve a harmonious society? (Thor vs. Superman) Using superheroes to bring into focus these timeless themes of the human condition, Smith takes us on an adventure as fantastic as any you’ll find on a splash page or the silver screen—an intellectual adventure filled with surprising insights, unexpected twists and turns, and a daring climax you’ll be thinking about long after it’s over.

Watchmen and Philosophy

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Publisher : John Wiley & Sons
ISBN 13 : 0470730307
Total Pages : 247 pages
Book Rating : 4.4/5 (77 download)

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Book Synopsis Watchmen and Philosophy by : William Irwin

Download or read book Watchmen and Philosophy written by William Irwin and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2009-05-04 with total page 247 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Alan Moore's Watchmen is set in 1985 and chronicles the alternative history of the United States where the US edges dangerously closer to nuclear war with the Soviet Union. Within this world exists a group of crime busters, who don elaborate costumes to conceal their identity and fight crime, and an intricate plot to kill and discredit these "superheroes." Alan Moore's Watchmen popularized the graphic novel format, has been named one of Time magazine's top 100 novels, and is now being made into a highly anticipated movie adaptation. This latest book in the popular Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture series peers into Moore's deeply philosophical work to parse and deconstruct the ethical issues raised by Watchmen's costumed adventurers, their actions, and their world. From nuclear destruction to utopia, from governmental authority to human morality and social responsibility, it answers questions fans have had for years about Watchmen's ethical quandaries, themes, and characters.

The Avengers and Philosophy

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Publisher : John Wiley & Sons
ISBN 13 : 1118074572
Total Pages : 245 pages
Book Rating : 4.1/5 (18 download)

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Book Synopsis The Avengers and Philosophy by : Mark D. White

Download or read book The Avengers and Philosophy written by Mark D. White and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2012-03-13 with total page 245 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: An engaging look at the philosophical underpinnings of Earth's Mightiest Heroes 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 team—Captain America, Iron Man, Thor, and the 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.

X-Men and Philosophy

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Publisher : John Wiley & Sons
ISBN 13 : 0470730366
Total Pages : 255 pages
Book Rating : 4.4/5 (77 download)

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Book Synopsis X-Men and Philosophy by : William Irwin

Download or read book X-Men and Philosophy written by William Irwin and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2009-05-18 with total page 255 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: X-Men is one of the most popular comic book franchises ever, with successful spin-offs that include several feature films, cartoon series, bestselling video games, and merchandise. This is the first look at the deeper issues of the X-Men universe and the choices facing its powerful "mutants," such as identity, human ethics versus mutant morality, and self-sacrifice. J. Jeremy Wisnewski (Oneonta, NY) is Assistant Professor of Philosophy at Hartwick College and the editor of Family Guy and Philosophy (978-1-4051-6316-3) and The Office and Philosophy (978-1-4051-7555-5). Rebecca Housel (Rochester, NY) is a professor at Rochester Institute of Technology, where she teaches about writing and pop culture. For William Irwin's biography, please see below.

Superheroes and Excess

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Publisher : Routledge
ISBN 13 : 1351396927
Total Pages : 211 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (513 download)

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Book Synopsis Superheroes and Excess by : Jamie Brassett

Download or read book Superheroes and Excess written by Jamie Brassett and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2021-11-29 with total page 211 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Finding the superhero genre in need of further investigation from philosophical standpoints that value excess as a creative drive, rather than denigrate it as a problem to be resolved, this book opens up discussions that highlight different approaches to ‘the creative excess of being’ as expressed through the genre. While superheroes are an everyday, culturally dominant phenomena, philosophical methods and investigations have a reputation for lofty superiority. Across 13 chapters, this book facilitates a collision between the superhero genre and the discipline of philosophy, resulting in a voyage of exploration where each illuminates the other. The contributions in this book range from new voices to recognized scholars, offering superhero studies a set of critical interventions that are unusual, conceptually diverse, theoretically grounded and varied in practice. These chapters consider ‘excessive’ traits of superheroes against schools of thought that have attempted to conceptualize and understand excess by analysing texts and figures across a variety of mediums, such as The Fantastic Four, Captain America, The Vision, Logan, Black Panther and Super Hero Girls. With its unique approach to the superhero genre, this book will be an invaluable read for students and scholars working on comic studies, transmedia studies, cultural studies, popular culture and superhero studies.

Supervillains and Philosophy

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Publisher : Open Court
ISBN 13 : 0812697804
Total Pages : 288 pages
Book Rating : 4.8/5 (126 download)

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Book Synopsis Supervillains and Philosophy by : Ben Dyer

Download or read book Supervillains and Philosophy written by Ben Dyer and published by Open Court. This book was released on 2011-09-30 with total page 288 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The devil gets his due in the latest entry in the Pop Culture and Philosophy series. Supervillains and Philosophy features an international cabal of philosophers and comics industry professionals conspiring to reveal the dark details — and deeper meanings — lurking behind today’s most popular comic book monsters. Whether it’s their moral justification for world domination or the wavering boundaries they share with the modern anti-hero, everyone's favorite villains generate as much attention as their heroic counterparts. The 20 essays in this accessible book explore the nature of supervillainy, examine the boundaries of good and evil, offer helpful advice to prospective supervillains, and untangle diabolical puzzles of identity and consciousness. All the legends are here, from Dr. Doom and the Spectre to the Joker and the Watchmen, reconsidered through the lens of classic and modern philosophy.

Doctor Strange and Philosophy

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Publisher : John Wiley & Sons
ISBN 13 : 1119437946
Total Pages : 295 pages
Book Rating : 4.1/5 (194 download)

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Book Synopsis Doctor Strange and Philosophy by : Mark D. White

Download or read book Doctor Strange and Philosophy written by Mark D. White and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2018-05-29 with total page 295 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Explore the mind and world of the brilliant neurosurgeon-turned-Sorcerer Supreme Doctor Stephen Strange Marvel Comics legends Stan Lee and Steve Ditko first introduced Doctor Stephen Strange to the world in 1963—and his spellbinding adventures have wowed comic book fans ever since. Over fifty years later, the brilliant neurosurgeon-turned-Sorcerer Supreme has finally travelled from the pages of comics to the big screen, introducing a new generation of fans to his mind-bending mysticism and self-sacrificing heroics. In Doctor Strange and Philosophy, Mark D. White takes readers on a tour through some of the most interesting and unusual philosophical questions which surround Stephen Strange and his place in the Marvel Universe. Essays from two-dozen Philosophers Supreme illuminate how essential philosophical concepts, including existentialism, epistemology, metaphysics, and ethics, relate to the world of Doctor Strange. Fans will find answers to all their Strange questions: How does Doctor Strange reconcile his beliefs in science and magic? What does his astral self say about the relationship between mind and body? Why is he always so alone? And what does he mean when he says we’re just “tiny momentary specks within an indifferent universe”—and why was he wrong? You won’t need the Eye of Agamotto to comprehend all that is wise within. Doctor Strange and Philosophy offers comic book fans and philosophers alike the chance to dive deeper into the world of one of Marvel’s most mystical superheroes.

On the Origin of Superheroes

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Publisher : University of Iowa Press
ISBN 13 : 1609383818
Total Pages : 306 pages
Book Rating : 4.6/5 (93 download)

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Book Synopsis On the Origin of Superheroes by : Chris Gavaler

Download or read book On the Origin of Superheroes written by Chris Gavaler and published by University of Iowa Press. This book was released on 2015-11 with total page 306 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Most readers think that superheroes began with Superman’s appearance in Action Comics No. 1, but that Kryptonian rocket didn’t just drop out of the sky. By the time Superman’s creators were born, the superhero’s most defining elements—secret identities, aliases, disguises, signature symbols, traumatic origin stories, extraordinary powers, self-sacrificing altruism—were already well-rehearsed standards. Superheroes have a sprawling, action-packed history that predates the Man of Steel by decades and even centuries. On the Origin of Superheroes is a quirky, personal tour of the mythology, literature, philosophy, history, and grand swirl of ideas that have permeated western culture in the centuries leading up to the first appearance of superheroes (as we know them today) in 1938. From the creation of the universe, through mythological heroes and gods, to folklore, ancient philosophy, revolutionary manifestos, discarded scientific theories, and gothic monsters, the sweep and scale of the superhero’s origin story is truly epic. We will travel from Jane Austen’s Bath to Edgar Rice Burroughs’s Mars to Owen Wister’s Wyoming, with some surprising stops along the way. We’ll meet mad scientists, Napoleonic dictators, costumed murderers, diabolical madmen, blackmailers, pirates, Wild West outlaws, eugenicists, the KKK, Victorian do-gooders, detectives, aliens, vampires, and pulp vigilantes (to name just a few). Chris Gavaler is your tour guide through this fascinating, sometimes dark, often funny, but always surprising prehistory of the most popular figure in pop culture today. In a way, superheroes have always been with us: they are a fossil record of our greatest aspirations and our worst fears and failings.

Superheroes

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Author :
Publisher : John Wiley & Sons
ISBN 13 : 1118153472
Total Pages : 256 pages
Book Rating : 4.1/5 (181 download)

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Book Synopsis Superheroes by :

Download or read book Superheroes written by and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2011-06-24 with total page 256 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 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 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.

Iron Man and Philosophy

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Author :
Publisher : John Wiley & Sons
ISBN 13 : 047058310X
Total Pages : 270 pages
Book Rating : 4.4/5 (75 download)

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Book Synopsis Iron Man and Philosophy by : Mark D. White

Download or read book Iron Man and Philosophy written by Mark D. White and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2010-02-22 with total page 270 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The first look at the philosophy behind the Iron Man comics and movies, timed for the release of Iron Man 2 in March 2010 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? As absorbing as Iron Man comic books and movies, Iron Man and Philosophy: Gives you a new perspective on Iron Man characters, story lines, and themes Shows what philosophical heavy hitters such as Aristotle, Locke, and Heidegger can teach us about Tony Stark/Iron Man Considers issues such as addiction, personal responsibility, the use of technology, and the role of government Whether you've been reading the comic books for years or have gotten into Iron Man through the movies, Iron Man and Philosophy is a must-have companion for every fan.

Do The Gods Wear Capes?

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Author :
Publisher : A&C Black
ISBN 13 : 1441127224
Total Pages : 192 pages
Book Rating : 4.4/5 (411 download)

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Book Synopsis Do The Gods Wear Capes? by : Ben Saunders

Download or read book Do The Gods Wear Capes? written by Ben Saunders and published by A&C Black. This book was released on 2011-06-02 with total page 192 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Brash, bold, and sometimes brutal, superheroes might seem to epitomize modern pop-culture at its most melodramatic and mindless. But according to Ben Saunders, the appeal of the superhero is fundamentally metaphysical - even spiritual - in nature. In chapter-length analyses of the early comic book adventures of Superman, Wonder Woman, Spider-Man, and Iron-Man, Saunders explores a number of complex philosophical and theological issues, including: the problem of evil; the will-to-power; the tension between intimacy and vulnerability; and the challenge of love, in the face of mortality. He concludes that comic book fantasies of the superhuman ironically reveal more than we might care to admit about our human limitations, even as they expose the falsehood of the characteristically modern opposition between religion and science. Clearly and passionately written, this insightful and at times exhilarating book should delight all readers who believe in the redemptive capacity of the imagination, regardless of whether they consider themselves comic book fans.