The Office and Philosophy: Scenes from the Unexamined Life (The Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture Series) (Paperback)

~ J. Jeremy Wisnewski (Editor)
Key Phrases: grief counseling, stockholder theory, traveling salesmen, The Office, Michael Scott, David Brent (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"An entertaining look at the ethical and philosophical lessons of 'The Office'." (Venue, November 2008)

Review

"I didn't realise what a genius I was till I read this book. (I did know. And I haven't read this book)"
–Ricky Gervais

"The Office and Philosophy provides a brilliant examination of life's unexamined, or "willfully ignored" dilemmas: love trysts, unremitting self-denial, H.R. nightmares, and humiliating personnel blunders. Thankfully, we have none of these problems in Scranton." –Chris Doherty, Mayor of Scranton

"I laughed and laughed and laughed...and then I realized I was reading a different book. And then I read this one. It's pretty good, too."
–Oscar Nunez, Cast Member ("Oscar Martinez"), The Office

"My philosophy in life is to live more like Dwight Schrute. For instance, since the editor of this book asked me for this blurb, that makes me an assistant editor (and not just an assistant to the editor)."
–Jim Bone, mornings, WBSX-97.9X Scranton

“Yet another example of how some popular television shows can make us stop, think and reflect, even as they make us laugh. Who would have thought a show about paper could carry so much weight?”
–Ed Robertson, co-author, The Ethics of Star Trek

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Product Details

• Paperback: 328 pages
• Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell (April 9, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1405175559
• ISBN-13: 978-1405175555
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #139,585 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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• This item is part of The Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture Series.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Nice medium between entertainment and integrity, November 11, 2008

By	Ted Cascio - See all my reviews

This is the first book I have read from the Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture Series. I am especially impressed with the very high degree of intellectual integrity and sophistication maintained throughout. The philosophy promised in the title is not glossed over or dumbed-down for a general audience. Yet, this book is eminently comprehensible and entertaining to the lay person (e.g., me). If you like to analyze shows that possess depth and subtlety, as "the office" no doubt does, you will not be disappointed here!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "The Office and Philosophy" -- Geeky Cool!, February 22, 2009

By	A. Oberkrieser (Chicago, IL) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

What an amazing book! For anyone who LOVES "The Office" (either UK of US version), has ever had full-on intellectual discussions about it, maybe even felt a little dirty for having those discussions. For anyone who has ever wondered if these characters, or if any show, is worth so much mulling over and picking apart. The clear answer is a resounding "YES!" Intellectuals rejoice, you have found a place where all of those theories and ideas you've had are on paper. Sure, you might not agree with some of the essays, but isn't that the joy of intellectual discourse? If you buy this book, you might want to buy 2 or find a friend who would also be inclined to read it so you have someone to discuss the contents with as you read.

Just to recap what this book is: it is an anthology of academic papers on different moral and ethical issues and situations that are brought to light in both the UK and US versions of "The Office." It is a very clever, well thought, well chosen, and well organized anthology. Please note though, that I give this book a 5 out of 5 IF you are a fan of "The Office" and IF you are a fan of intellectual discourse. If not: forget it, move on, start with the show on DVD and work your way up.