Heroes and Philosophy: Buy the Book, Save the World (The Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture Series) [Paperback]

David K. Johnson (Editor), William Irwin (Series Editor)

Book Description

Series: The Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture Series | Publication Date: August 17, 2009

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.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

• Would the emergence of "heroes" save society or break it?

• Is it okay for the Company to lie, kidnap, and kill

• to secretly protect the public?

• Does Hiro really have a destiny? Do we?

• Is time travel actually possible?

E very episode of Tim Kring's hit TV show Heroes presents a philosophical quandary. 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 powers for good or for evil. This book analyzes some of the many questions and issues that make the series so compelling. With the help of some of history's heaviest-hitting philosophical "heroes" such as Plato and Nietzsche, you'll explore everything from the role that memory plays in personal identity to whether the rise of superpowers could break down society. Whether you're new to Heroes or have been a fan since the beginning, this book will take your enjoyment of the series to the next level.

About the Author

David Kyle Johnson is an assistant professor of philosophy at King's College in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. He has contributed to several books in the Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture series, including Family Guy and Philosophy and The Office and Philosophy.

William Irwin is a professor of philosophy at King's College. He originated the philosophy and popular culture genre of books as coeditor of the bestselling The Simpsons and Philosophy and has overseen recent titles, including Batman and Philosophy, House and Philosophy, and Watchmen and Philosophy.

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Wiley; 1 edition (August 17, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0470373385
• ISBN-13: 978-0470373385
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,098,500 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great way to learn philosophy, August 28, 2009

By 

Jennifer/Connect with your Teens "Jennifer Wa... (NY, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Heroes and Philosophy: Buy the Book, Save the World (The Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture Series) (Paperback)

I enjoyed Heroes and Philosophy immensely. I also actually enjoyed learning philosophy while reading, because I could now relate to the lessons through the use of the Heroes characters. Not all television shows have enough philosophical implications to create a book. Heroes, on the other hand, is probably at the top of the list. Some of the many questions discussed in Heroes and Philosophy are:

1. What are the obligations of heroes?
2. The foreknowledge of the painter, is our fate predetermined?
3. What are the ethics of time travel and changing the past or future?
4. What are the philosophical implications of the memory loss (the Haitian) and mind-reading (Parkman)?
5. Are the heroes good?

Throughout the book, events that took place and quotes that were spoken during Heroes are discussed. This is a must read book for any Heroes fan, the philosophy lessons are a great bonus.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A fascinating look into the story of Heroes., December 29, 2010

By 

Zak - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Heroes and Philosophy: Buy the Book, Save the World (The Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture Series) (Paperback)

I've always pondered philosophy concerning Heroes and thought this book would be a good read. The shipping was fast (took 3 days) and I've only read the first chapter and I'm intrigued. I was surprised how much of the series it covered. So far it has mentioned up to Volume 4, and I was concerned that this book came out before then. So I am pleased that it was released around the peak of the show.