Heroes and Philosophy: Buy the Book, Save the World

Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture #14

by David Kyle Johnson (Editor), William Irwin (Series Editor), Andrew Zimmerman Jones (Contributor)

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.

Genres: Philosophy, Essays, Ebooks, Nonfiction, Superheroes, Pop Culture, Tv

320 pages, Paperback

First published July 15, 2009

Reviews

[Tim Gannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This text uses the tv series, Heroes, to discuss philosophical topics. Each chapter is written by a different author. As may be expected, some of the chapters seem to be written better, and to resonate deeper than other chapters. The last two chapters deal with obligations and lying. They were excellent and well worth the price of the book.

[Randolph King · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yet another book in the Blackwell PHilosophy and Pop Culture Series. I always enjoy them.

In this book, various philosophers look at the Heroes series of TV shows, books and webisodes, and explain different topics of philosophy using the actions and behaviors of the characters we're familiar with.

I enjoyed this one a little more than some of the others. It didn't spend as much time looking at the show and a little more on the philosophical topics. The other style is more useful when the reader isn't as familiar with the topic, so someone unfamiliar with the Heroes characters may not get as much out of it.

[Tim Annan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this book for two reasons:
1) I bought another within the over all "Blackwell" series and enjoyed it
2) I wanted to do my dissertation on the idea of Popular Culture influencing Ethical Development.

Being Dyslexic, I find it hard actually sitting down and reading any book. Even more so when I have to understand and remember what it's actually saying.

With this book, and indeed the series as a whole, I find very easy to read. It takes concepts from varying philosophers and academics, lays them out in relatively simple language and links them to parts of the TV show in this case.

I read this on a train to lectures and nearly missed a connecting train because I couldn't put this down. While it is simple, the knowledge is enough for those who have little basic knowledge of theories to become accustomed to the basic principles, providing a springboard to look at deeper reading.

For myself, it is a brilliant academic book. Clearly referenced, easy to read and engaging is what I feel all lecturers wish to be. This book, and indeed series, is that.

My only issue is that it is not required reading for those interested in the subject, yet have little knowledge of it and that my copy is now a bit bashed.

[Christopher · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collection of essays by various experts that adds some good insights into the characters and why they behave the way they do according to social theorists and philosophers from ancient Greece to modern day. Be aware though that the "philosophy" in the title often extends into "psychology" and "ethics" and I think far too much even into simple "science" such as biology, physics, and chemistry (and especially relating to time-travel), which have nothing to do with philosophy and should have been added to a collection of essays on the science of superpowers. If you are a fan of Heroes though, it stays focused on the characters and is in the end satisfying.

[Magdalena · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointingly simple and not very revealing. I did learn some interesting things about ethics (although it was a bit sexist, why ethics of care - very nice concept, I like it! - was considered as only feminist idea?). I expected more thorough analysis, but, well, I was reading it as fan in awe after finishing this series three days ago, so I can't really complain, everything about Heroes is cool. :)

[LB · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was the production editor for this book, and as a huge fan of the TV series, I can honestly say that this was a great read. The collection of essays cover everything from the ethics of time travel to my favorite character, Peter, and his empathic ability. Pick up a copy to read while you wait for the next season to begin.