Star Wars and Philosophy: More Powerful than You Can Possibly Imagine (Popular Culture and Philosophy) [Paperback]

Kevin S. Decker (Editor), Jason T. Eberl (Editor), William Irwin (Editor)

Book Description

Series: Popular Culture and Philosophy | Publication Date: March 10, 2005

The Star Wars films continue to revolutionize science fiction, creating new standards for cinematographic excellence, and permeating popular culture around the world. The films feature many complex themes ranging from good versus evil and moral development and corruption to religious faith and pragmatism, forgiveness and redemption, and many others.

The essays in this volume tackle the philosophical questions from these blockbuster films including: Was Anakin predestined to fall to the Dark Side? Are the Jedi truly role models of moral virtue? Why would the citizens and protectors of a democratic Republic allow it to descend into a tyrannical empire? Is Yoda a peaceful Zen master or a great warrior, or both? Why is there both a light and a dark side of the Force? Star Wars and Philosophy ponders the depths of these subjects and asks what it truly means to be mindful of the "living force."

Editorial Reviews

Review

...holds implications for all with its solid link between popular culture, philosophy, and social insights. -- The Bookwatch, September 2005

Just the thing to read while queuing for tickets, or perhaps as a source of readings for your theme wedding. -- Book News, Inc., May 2005

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Open Court (March 10, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0812695836
• ISBN-13: 978-0812695830
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.1 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #45,945 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

53 of 56 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Thinking about the Force, April 11, 2005

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J. J. Kwashnak "voracious reader" (Monroe, LA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Star Wars and Philosophy: More Powerful than You Can Possibly Imagine (Popular Culture and Philosophy) (Paperback)

The Popular Culture and Philosophy Series can be hit or miss as it tries to wrap in familiar characters or stories in the teaching of philosophers throughout the ages. This volume stands as one of the best produced so far. The Star Wars films have always held some deeper meanings than what appear on the surface, from the concepts of good and bad, light and dark, interconnectedness in the Force, and downfall and redemption. Decker and his fellow authors mine this rich source and bring up many topics or ideas that will make the reader go "Hmmm." Definitely riding on the wave of growing Star Wars mania, this book contains numerous references to the upcoming Episode 3: Revenge of the Sith film and the dark story that lies in the fall of Anakin. Being that this is a series with it's own resident philosopher in the wise Yoda, the writers have been able to spread out and discussion actions and thoughts of other characters in the Star Wars universe. Surprisingly, and somewhat disappointingly, they mine many of the same characters over again, so that while Anakin and the Emperor are well represented, of course, as are Yoda, Luke and Obi-Wan, characters such as Leia, Padame and Chewbacca get the short shrift. Maybe something for volume 2 perhaps? This is a great book for sitting back and letting you experience the saga at a whole different level. And if you are not as familiar with philosophy, this is a great introduction, relating a deeper subject to something so familiar and beloved. May the Force Be With You.

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Force is Strong in This One, November 17, 2005

By 

Bu-Chan (Aotearoa) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Star Wars and Philosophy: More Powerful than You Can Possibly Imagine (Popular Culture and Philosophy) (Paperback)

"Star Wars and Philosophy" has it all, and has a bit for everyone. While in some cases it explores a couple of similar themes to the two books from the series about "The Matrix", it also presents some radically new material drawn from Star Wars' unique take on things.

Essays in this book cover everything from environmental philosophy right through to Buddhism, technology and causation. More so than the Matrix books, "Star Wars and Philosophy" truly presents a myriad of philosophical issues to read about. My personal favourites were essays on the personhood and rights of droids, and the truth and lies told by tyhe Jedi and Sith. However, other essays really had a high standard, as well.

In terms of presenting aspects of Star Wars in a new light and giving a deeper appreciation of the movies, "Star Wars and Philosophy" is a great exposition. I have looked at the movies in a new light since reading it, and this is especially so for the more recent prequels to the original trilogy.

Especially for Star Wars fans, but also for anyone who just digs science fiction, this is a great addition to the collection of books. Inspiring and thought provoking certainly describe this one. I loved every essay in it, and was fixated until the end.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great idea but a bit monolithic, March 5, 2006

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Robert Spender (Lancaster, PA United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Star Wars and Philosophy: More Powerful than You Can Possibly Imagine (Popular Culture and Philosophy) (Paperback)

I give the book high marks for its novel approach to integrating philosophy (so too the series) and popular culture in a creative way. The essays are brief, readable and mostly to the point. Fans of Star Wars, of course, will enjoy it the most. I was a little disappointed by its repetition and lack of deeper penetration. Great emphasis, for example, is place upon Yoda. He is the guru and his line "Fear leads to anger... hate .... suffering," is then a key point in many essays. Less emphasis upon the female voice is found. Padme a little but where is the voice of Lea?? Quite enjoyable but needs greater penetration!