Customer Reviews

Monty Python and Philosophy: Nudge Nudge, Think Think! (Popular Culture and Philosophy)

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I must preface my comments with the following disclaimer: I've always been a huge Monty Python fan; and I've always had a strong interest in philosophy (in fact, I minored in Philosophy in college). I've read and enjoyed other volumes in the Philosophy and Modern Culture series ("The Simpsons and Philosophy", "Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Philosophy", and "The Lord of the Rings and Philosophy"). And I've always felt that Monty Python's humor was deeply philosophical. So, perhaps I am predisposed to loving this book. Please take my biases into account when considering my recommendation. If you aren't a Monty Python fan, don't even bother with this book -- you won't get it. Likewise, if you don't have a serious interest in philosophy, this book is probably not for you.

This is a book of serious philosophical essays, written by serious philosophers, only one of whom is actually named Bruce. Of course, just because the philosophy in this volume is "serious" doesn't mean that it is not also funny. The book is filled with Pythonesque humor. (Philosophers, as a rule, are a silly bunch.) But this is real philosophy, inspired by Monty Python; it is NOT a parody of philosophy written by the Pythons.

The essays in this volume deal with philosophical issues such as: Why "The Life of Brian" is heretical, but not actually blasphemous. Why the explosion of Mr. Creosote from "The Meaning of Life" is funny, not just disgusting. What the Piston Engine sketch tells us about language and meaning. Why an Argument Clinic might actually be useful. Whether God is British (and what this implies for the eternal fate of Python fans). The feminist subtext of "Monty Python and the Holy Grail". What "The Meaning of Life" tells us about transcendentalism. And much more.

Continuing their great series on Popular Culture and Philosophy, the assembled contributors look towards one of the great sources of laughter - Monthy Python. Python is one of those shows/movies that can be viewed on many levels, as these authors show, disentangling philosophical lessons and examples from the work of the British comedians. Wonderfully, the chapters draw upon numerous different areas of the Phython's work for examples, from the earliest moments of their first television broadcast to their last movie together. Unlike other volumes that have looked at more limited source materials (one film for the Matrix and Philosophy, and 6 films for Star Wars and Philosophy) there is a greater spread of the work examined, showing some alternative meanings in much of the work done by the troupe.

The first part of the book follows the successful formula of the series by looking at a variety of examples to reflect philosophical meaning and examples in the work of Monty Python. The second part is a new direction for the series, and delves into philosophical aspects of the Python's work, and then in the third section reverses the mirror and looks at the Pythonic aspects of philosophy or trying to show how some aspects of philosophy can be viewed in a Pythonian way. It is here that the book starts to slow down. These essays admirably look at philosophical themes and how they are reflected in Python's work, using small snippets of Python to illustrate points. These essays delve deeper into philosophical writings than those in the earlier section and are tougher to get through. Not that this is necessarily a bad thing - philosophy should make us think. Finally, the third section with Pythonian aspects of Philosophy tries to launch into areas of philosophy and show some strands to be seemingly silly and python-esque and read much more like an essay you would find in a philosophical publication, not as much a book on popular culture and philosophy. However, if you are more serious into philosophy, I believe that you may enjoy these areas.

Overall the series continues to move along, and with so much of Python's work left unexamined, one can hope that there might be a second volume to continue on these philosophical themes.

This is a wonderful collection of philosophical essays relating to Monty Python. It appeals to fans of the Pythons, but also philosophers of every stripe --essays range from analytical 20th century philosophy to Buddhism and all points in between. Well done!
Some of the other reviews here at Amazon, almost read like Python sketches. Totally nonsequitur! Let me add my own irrelevant comment: In addition to the terrible treatment of Richard Pryor herein, one wonders why there is almost no mention of Eskimo people in the text. Why do the authors hate the Eskimos? The book is an outrage to all decency! Etc. etc...

"Monty Python and Philosophy" is yet another addition to the excellent Open Court Series that introduces the non-philosopher to philosophy while giving those trained in the field something to smile about. Hardcastle and Reisch have done an excellent job collecting essays from philosophers around the country who see Monty Python as a breakthrough in conventional thinking. The collection is well rounded and informative and will be enjoyed by those who are familiar with Monty Python as well as those who always wondered what the fuzz was all about.

Simply put, the best book ever conceived. The author, Gary L. Hardcastle, has done a tremendous job at capturing some essential philosophical issues in the hilarious scenes of Monty Python. From the very first page to the end of the book, humor is elegantly placed with thought provoking arguments. What's best about this book, at least in my eyes, is its diversity to an audience; it can be read and thoroughly enjoyed by an experienced and professional philosopher, or by a person who has never had a course in Philosophy and is just a fan of Monty Python. This masterpiece is accessible to all whom pick it up... and can read.
Out of all the ____ and Philosophy editions out, this is the best one yet!.. especially if you think Monty Python is at all funny. I recommend this book over any other book out there, you will not be sorry.

Gary L. Hardcastle and George A. Reisch's Monty Python And Philosophy is for any Python fan, whether or not they like philosophy. Here professional philosophers and amateur Python fans celebrate and discuss the unlikely intersections of humor and philosophy, with comedy blending to metaphysics and ethics blending into TV and film insights. Especially recommended for college-level readers reluctant to enter the world of philosophy.

As a major fan of Monty Python, I just had to read this book. I had put it off for some time, as I thought some of the essays sounded...well...boring. Yeah, I know, how could I?? The blasphemy! But finally, after having decided to give the book a shot, I got to reading it.

It was not as "grip you from the start" as other installments in the series, but the book did build to a decent level of interest. One thing this book did well, but others didn't, is make me laugh. It was a good addtion to the book that they kept some of the humour, and that the writers all seemed to "get it". They actually understood the humour behind what the Pythons did.

The book covers everything from trancendentalism, Buddhism, moralism, existentialism and a whole host more. The coverage is wide ranging and reasonably thorough. There is even an essay on language, connected with the working women and their newly bought engines. In some cases, the essays truly enlighten the reader regarding different Python movies and sketches. I found this especially so for "The Meaning of Life", perhaps among the more philosophical richer of the Pythons' work, in my opinion.

Overrating the importance of the Monty Python crew is not something this book does, in my opinion. When you consider a whole genre of comedic humour, ("Pythonesque"), has been created based on their humour, you have some serious cultural players. I have not heard any comedian do "Pryorisms", though G. W. Bush has his "Bushisms". Interesting implications.

I digress. Monty Python fans will utterly love this book. Unlike others in the series, this book really requires the reader to have some familiarity with the Monty Python material. If you are not into them, or don't know about them, I would avoid the book. If you have not been exposed to Python, then grab some DVD's and watch them. If you like it, then the book could be for you.

For fans, this book is a must read. It will enlighten, highlight and prove an interesting insight into the comedy of a group of men who probably would have made very good philosophers in their own, irreverent right.

I've read a handful of the Popular Culture and Philosophy Series. They are all pretty good. I'd have to say this one fits right in. Unlike most in the series, this one had a chapter on eastern philosophy, which is usually overlooked-a welcome addition!

Personally, I haven't seen too much of the Flying Circus: I'm a Python fan because of the movies. I think I would have enjoyed it more with a greater familiarity with the television show.

One essay put the potentially offensive "Life of Brian" in perspective. Many called the work blasphemous, but as this essay points out, The Life of Brian is critical of RELIGION and treates Christ with respect when he appears in the film.

I always wanted to enjoy that movie guilt-free!

Monty Python has a lot to say to philosophical types, as this book so ably demonstrates. The comedy troupe has never had any qualms about revealing the erudition of its members, all of whom (except for Terry Gilliam) are products of the British university system. The essays in this book could have been printed in any philosophical journal. What they have in common is using Monty Python as touchpoint and cultural link. The editors have done a fantastic job. (I was a philosophy major and have worked as an editor for 30 years. It must be a hoot to work for this publisher!)

After giving my son (now fifteen) the complete Monty Python library two Christmases ago, I again struck gold with this book! He laughs aloud while reading it. Can't guarantee that he's learning much philosophy from it...