The Big Bang Theory and Philosophy: Rock, Paper, Scissors, Aristotle, Locke (The Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture Series) [Kindle Edition]

Dean Kowalski (Editor)

Book Description

A lighthearted meditation on the philosophical quandaries of the hit television show The Big Bang Theory

Ever wonder what Aristotle might say about the life Sheldon Cooper leads? Why Thomas Hobbes would applaud the roommate agreement? Who Immanuel Kant would treat with "haughty derision" for weaving "un-unravelable webs?" And—most importantly—whether Wil Wheaton is truly evil? Of course you have. Bazinga!

This book mines the deep thinking of some of history's most potent philosophical minds to explore your most pressing questions about The Big Bang Theory and its nerdy genius characters. You might find other philosophy books on science and cosmology, but only this one refers to Darth Vader Force-chokes, cloning Leonard Nimoy, and oompa-loompa-like engineers. Fo-shizzle.

• Gives you irresistibly geek-worthy insights on your favorite Big Bang Theory characters, story lines, and ideas
• Examines important themes involving ethics and virtue, science, semiotics, religion, and the human condition
• Brings the thinking of some of the world's greatest philosophers to bear on The Big Bang Theory, from Aristotle and Plato to Nietzsche, Wittgenstein, Simone de Beauvoir, and more

Essential reading for every Big Bang Theory fan, this book explores whether comic-book-wielding geeks can lead the good life, and whether they can know enough science to "tear the mask off nature and stare at the face of God."

Editorial Reviews

Review

“If you’re looking for a straight discussion of philosophy try reading Frederick Copleston’s The History of Philosophy, but if you’re open to learning in a fun environment try this book.   Just remember that this book is first of all a study of philosophy geared to the non-specialist.  The by-product of the book is that you will deepen your understanding of and engagement with the characters in these shows.”  (Ponderings on a Faith Journey, 10 August 2012)

 

Review

Review copy sent on 29.6.12 to Ponderings on a Faith Journey

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• File Size: 528 KB
• Print Length: 291 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1118074556
• Publisher: Wiley; 1 edition (April 20, 2012)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B007WMZ8XI
• Text-to-Speech: Enabled
• X-Ray: Not Enabled
• Lending: Enabled
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #81,833 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)
  • #30 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Humor & Entertainment > Television > History & Criticism
  • #97 in Books > Humor & Entertainment > Television > History & Criticism

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderfully Successful! June 27, 2012

By Fred Creel

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I enjoyed and benefited from this book on multiple levels.

First, I was amazed by all the different applications of Aristotle. Although he was an ancient Greek philosopher living thousands of years ago, various authors made it clear that his thought is still relevant today--even in the world of The Big Bang Theory--from advanced technology use (Sayles) to the life an an eccentric mind (Littmann). That books like these demonstrate the continued relevance of philosophy to everyday life through loved and admired television, movies, and music is a testament to their value.

Second, I was pleasantly surprised how the authors were able to help me learn novel things from my favorite television show: about how parents and grown children with different worldviews might profitably interact (Lowe and Barkman/Kowalski), what grown children might do about distant or overbearing parents (Barkman), how to deal with a difficult roommate (Bock/Bock), the limitations of a completely scientific outlook (Pigluicci), the levels and meaning of friendship (Kowalski), how to more carefully think about (alleged) disabilities (Clifton), and glimpses into science and how scientists proceed with their craft (Lawhead and Jones).

True, I may have liked some essays more than others, but I found insights within each one. More importantly, this volume helped me appreciate my favorite show in new ways. In this way, it was everything I hoped for--and it made me often laugh, too.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Learning Philosophy while enjoying Humor November 30, 2012

By Robert Cornwall

Format:Paperback

If you are a fan of The Big Bang Theory (TV show not the scientific theory) --and I am a fan -- then this book is for you. Well, if you really hate philosophy then you may not like the book, which could mean that Sheldon Cooper wouldn't like the book. After all, Sheldon sees no purpose for the humanities. Still, if you're a fan you'll like the book, at least I did.

The Big Bang Theory and Philosophy is the latest volume in an ongoing series of books that explore philosophy, an academic discipline that can be rather esoteric, abstract, and even dry (if you had my philosophy professor that is), through the lens of popular culture. Other volumes make use of South Park, Harry Potter, Arrested Development, and Twilight, just to name a few. By making use of popular culture icons, the series brings to life the kinds of questions that philosophy seeks to address - the "big questions," such as what is real and how we should behave. At the same time, this book offers something different from a typical philosophy textbook. Dean Kowalski writes: "Rarely do philosophy books explore whether comic book-wielding geeks can lead the good life, or whether they can know enough science to tear the mask off nature and stare at the face of God. Rarer still are explorations into how socially awkward, Superhero-loving brainiacs meaningfully interact with down-to-earth beauties from India or the Cheesecake Factory." (p. 2).

In this volume, which utilizes The Big Bang Theory, is comprised of seventeen chapters, divided into five sections. Part One looks at Aristotle, Part Two examines ethics, Part Three looks into science and religion, while Part Four explores language and meaning, and finally in Part Five the essays look at aspects of the human experience.... In addition, the book includes an Episode Compendium that lists episodes by year and date of airing so you can place the episodes discussed in their chronological context.

Although there is structure to the book (five distinct sections), the authors, most of whom are either philosophy professors or graduate students, appear to have considerable freedom in framing their essays and choosing topics. Although the first three essays, all of which deal with Aristotle, address philosophy as a discipline, the other sections cover the full range of topics. It's important to understand that each of the essays stands on its own, so you as the reader can pick and choose what you wish to read, when you want to read. You don't have to know a lot of philosophy to enjoy the book, but it helps to be familiar with the show and its characters. If you're into the Family Guy instead of The Big Bang Theory, you might want to read that volume!

Topics that are explored range from Aristotle's understanding of friendship to the nature of evil ("But Is Wil Wheaton Evil?), scientism to Wittgenstein and language games, religion to gender. Readers get drawn into the discussion without feeling overwhelmed. You'll also have an opportunity to discern whether it is appropriate to laugh at Sheldon. The answer is yes, but you'll have to read to find out why!

For the most part the authors of these essays understand that the audience is composed of persons who aren't "philosophy geeks." But, the intended audience is persons who want to develop a better understanding of philosophy, and just happen to be fans of the show.

As one might suspect the central character in the book is Sheldon Cooper, even as he is the center of the show itself. Sheldon provides a useful foil, especially since he has certain idiosyncrasies, including a strong belief that he is right and that the pursuit of truth is something to be engaged in with full vigor with science as the arbiter of truth (even as his mother does the same with Jesus as her guide).

Although Sheldon has a major role in the book, all of the characters, including Leonard, Howard, and Raj, as well as the mothers of the four male characters as well as Bernadette, Amy Farrah Fowler, and Leslie Winkle, appear. With Sheldon at the center, another character who figures prominently is Penny - often as a foil to Sheldon. One of the more interesting essays (at least to me) is that of Nicholas Evans who uses the relationship of Penny and Sheldon to illustrate "growth through difference." In Evans's interpretation, over the course of time the relationship between these two characters has a life expanding/life changing affect on both. Of course, one can't ignore the insightful discussion of mothers and sons as developed by Ashley Barkman. It is illuminating to discover how the mother-son relationship may have helped create the idiosyncrasies of each character, including their seeming inability to move into true adulthood (remember they spend a lot of time at the comic book store).

Philosophy can be a rather dry subject, but thankfully there are books like this one that explains philosophical terms and ideas even as it entertains. If you're looking for a straight discussion of philosophy try reading Frederick Copleston's The History of Philosophy, but if you're open to learning in a fun environment try this book. Just remember that this book is first of all a study of philosophy geared to the non-specialist. The by-product of the book is that you will deepen your understanding of and engagement with the characters in these shows. Read more ›

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The wonderful world off geeks. December 24, 2012

By Edward E. Fierman

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

If you have watched the show and understand all the characters, then you will love this entertaining book that gives insight and reason to the Big Bang theory. It's fun to read and I enjoyed the book completely.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome!!! May 28, 2013

By Paulo Luis Jardine Ortega

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

It is terrible, disgusting, despicable... BAZINGA!!! The book is great. If you love the TV show, you will love this book as well.

5.0 out of 5 stars my favorite show May 31, 2013

By CHERYL REYES

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

i love the big bang theory and can't wait to read this book and find out all about it ,thanks for a great book

5.0 out of 5 stars Gift March 30, 2013

By Shelly K

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I got this for my Mom and she loved this book. She said it was a really good book and was her favorite big bang book.

1 of 4 people found the following review helpful

2.0 out of 5 stars Not much philosophy going on here September 26, 2012

By Sal Asutra

Format:Paperback

If you're looking for a book that summarizes the characters and their antics, this is the perfect book for you. As a previous reviewer stated, there are a few chapters which draw some great parallels to the ideas of various philosophers, but they are few and far between. In fact, most chapters barely make any allusions to any real philosophical concepts at all.

8 of 17 people found the following review helpful

2.0 out of 5 stars I was promised a BIG BANG, but only in THEORY. I finished WHIMPERING and disappointed. Cracked ROCK/torn PAPER/dull SCISSORS! June 2, 2012

By John V. Karavitis

Format:Paperback

SUMMARY

This entry in the Wiley-Blackwell "Philosophy and Pop Culture" series reviews the characters and events of the first four seasons of "The Big Bang Theory", a CBS TV-sitcom about the lives and adventures of a group of nerdy scientists, and their immediate family and friends. Although it does touch upon a number of excellent, relevant themes found throughout the series (friendship, the philosophy of science, science versus religion, the use and abuse of modern technology, language games, lying, family and gender issues), it unfortunately misses the mark. There are essays which: lack philosophers, lack a philosophical basis for their arguments, are simply social commentary, thought that this was a book about pop culture and psychology, present flawed and faulty arguments, are contradictory, and at times appear written for a grammar school audience. Personally, I like to see a number of philosophers presented, both the greats and contemporary ones, but it seems as though everyone had re-discovered Aristotle in a big way (seven of the seventeen essays). To top it off, I found a number of typos, something that I would have expected from Wiley-Blackwell's main competitor in this literary genre.

This isn't to say that there weren't any good essays. Far from it. But I would have expected that a popular TV sitcom that philosophers could relate to (indeed!) would have drawn a higher caliber of writing on the topics chosen. Relevant topics were indeed touched upon, but, for the most part, the ball was dropped. The remainder of this review will have two sections: (1) essays that whimpered, and (2) essays that gave a big bang for one's $17.95 (or less if you buy on Amazon!)....

ESSAYS THAT WHIMPERED

Littman's essay "Aristotle on Sheldon Cooper" compares the characteristics of the life of Sheldon Cooper, the geeky physicist, to the Aristotelian ideal. Sheldon lives the life of the mind. Is this what Aristotle meant when he talked about living the good life? Mr. Littman contradicts himself twice when he claims that there's not much we can learn directly about human nature from the sort of art that Sheldon enjoys, i.e. comic books (p.15). Mr. Littman must not be aware of fellow contributor Mark D. White's books in this series on Batman, The Watchmen, Iron Man, Green Lantern and The Avengers. Later, Mr. Littman comes to conclude that Aristotle "might" approve of Sheldon's art (p. 16). I also vehemently disagree with Mr. Littman's conclusion. Aristotle held that living the good life requires the virtues, which imply a balanced approach to life. Clearly, Sheldon outright fails here. Aristotle would NOT have approved.

Clifton's "Feeling Bad About Feeling Good" wanted to explore whether it is morally wrong to laugh at the character Sheldon Cooper. Mr. Clifton spent way too much time trying to diagnose Sheldon via psychiatry's current standard diagnostic manual, the DSM-IV. He also fails to directly address the issue: what is the morality, if any, of laughing at another's misfortune? There was no true philosophical underpinning for his conclusions.

Smith's "Is Wil Wheaton Evil" was weak and all over the place. Sprinkling the names of philosophers throughout an essay does not philosophy make. Would you like a direct answer to the question of whether Wil Wheaton is evil? The answer is "YES!" I don't need a trip to Leibniz' ideas re theodicy to come to this conclusion. (Just kidding, Wil. We all know you're TRULY evil. LOL!)

Lawhead's "Getting Fundamental About Doing Physics in the Big Bang Theory" was a nice essay, suitable for grammar school viewers of this sitcom who would like to learn a little about science and how it's all about homing in on "just the relevant patterns". But no philosophy.

Following on Mr. Lawhead's heels was Zimmerman Jones with "Sheldon, Leonard, and Leslie: The Three Faces of Quantum Gravity". A great opportunity to look at the philosophical underpinnings of the scientific method (Karl Popper and Thomas Kuhn were mentioned), but all the reader gets is just a taste of philosophy. Again, an essay written at the grammar school level. An opportunity wasted, in my opinion. In addition, Note 7 (p. 126) contains two typos.

Pigliucci's "The One Paradigm to Rule Them All" looked at scientism, which is the idea that science can and should be expanded to every human domain. Mr. Pigliucci's essay was readable, but felt more like social commentary than philosophy. I think Mr. Pigliucci misses the point regarding Paul and Patricia Churchland's eliminative materialism. Eliminative materialism simply denies that there is anything else other than brain matter that results in qualia. There is no soul. Mr. Pigliucci seems hung up on this point. In addition, Mr. Pigliucci mentions that science needs "much defending" (p. 140), because "large portions of Americans" deny such things as evolution, anthropogenic climate change, and believe that vaccines cause autism. With regards to anthropogenic climate change, this is not true science, it is pseudo-science. Perhaps Mr. Pigliucci should be more careful when he mentions defending evolution (established science) and blaming climate change on Man's (puny) activities (pseudo-science) in the same sentence.

Barkman and Kowalski's "Cooper Considerations: Science, Religion, and Family" felt as though it twisted science in order to defend a religious agenda. They state that "Darwin's theory doesn't explain the existence of biological systems" (p. 153). Wait, what??? Really??? They also have a flaw in their argument when they misunderstand and misapply probability. Whatever the odds might be does not make an absolute fact. The odds for the emergence of Life in the Universe may very well be astronomical (pun intended), but yet, here we are.

Potzsch's "Wittgenstein and Language Games" was a great topic, and introduces a philosopher rarely mentioned. However, there was no real essay development here, just a re-iteration of "young" Wittgenstein's ideas versus "old" Wittgenstein's ideas.

Ashley Barkman's "Mothers and Sons of The Big Bang Theory" touched upon an excellent theme in the sitcom. However, I think she thought that she could easily segue from Aristotle to the idea of cognitive dissonance in psychology. Is this a book about philosophy and pop culture, or psychology and pop culture? WHERE ARE THE PHILSOPHERS (except for Plato and - GASP! ARISTOTLE!)? One wonders....

Evans' "Personal Growth Through Difference" presented an excellent theme about the meaning and impact of the differences between friends as a necessary feature of a relationship. A solid essay, which curiously relies on Aristotle's (!) view of friendships, which involved similarities between friends, in an essay focusing on differences between friends as being important. His essay's success depends on the differences being important, yet he relies on a philosopher who supports the importance of the similarities. Somewhat... contradictory, no? And... drum roll, please.... WHERE ARE THE PHILSOPHERS (except for - GASP! ARISTOTLE!)?

White and Fisher's "Deconstructing the Women of The Big Bang Theory" presented an excellent topic, that of gender. It looked at ideas of gender, and invoked Plato, J.S. Mill, Simone de Beauvoir and Judith Butler. The essay notes that the sitcom typically presents beauty and intelligence in women in inverse proportions, and also looked at how men can be affected by gender issues. However, this (the shortest essay in the book, I think) was little more than a fluff piece. In fact, more detail was put into the Notes at the end of the essay than into the essay itself!

ESSAYS THAT BANGED

Kowalski's "You're A Sucky, Sucky Friend" looked at the three types of friendship described by Aristotle. There's pleasure friendship, utility friendship and true friendship. A good essay.

The tag team of Bock & Bock gave us "Pleasure, Selfishness, and Virtue", which explored ethical egoism versus psychological egoism. J. S. Mill and Hobbes are discussed, but it's Aristotle's position of applying rules and agreements in thoughtful ways that saves the day.

Mackonis' "Sheldon and Being Right About Being Wrong" is an essay worth re-reading. Mr. Mackonis looks at "closeness to truth" and "degrees of falsehood" by exploring the idea of "possible worlds".

Lowe's essay "The Cooper Conundrum: Good Lord, Who's Tolerating Whom?" looked at the relationship between a person's worldview (religion versus science) and tolerance. Who do you think would be more tolerant, Sheldon the scientist or his religious mother? Lowe's essay deftly weaves the ideas of Isaiah Berlin, Donald Davidson, and Richard Rorty (GASP! NO ARISTOTLE!) to provide an answer. A very "tallmanesque" essay, well-written, well-woven, and you'll see by the end why it's the "Cooper Conundrum".

Last but not least is Fallis' "The Mendacity Bifurcation". A good, solid essay that looked at the morality of lying and under what circumstances one can be said to have lied. (Only nine philosophers mentioned this time in a Fallis essay! Quality, not quantity!) As for Note 1 to this essay (p. 215), it is incorrect to state that "rock/paper/scissors" is listed in terms of increasing "power", since the relationship is circular. Also, in Note 3 (p. 215), the word "Metaphysics" is misspelled.

And there you have it. Out of seventeen essays, five were banging. Cracked ROCK/torn PAPER/dull SCISSORS! Oh my! John V. Karavitis Read more ›

More About the Author

Dean Kowalski is an associate professor in the University of Wisconsin Colleges, teaching philosophy at the Waukesha campus. He is a graduate of Ripon College, earning undergraduate degrees in philosophy and history. He earned his Ph.D. in philosophy from UW-Madison. He has authored, edited, or co-edited six books, each with some connection to popular culture and philosophy: Moral Theory at the Movies, Classic Questions and Contemporary Film, The Big Bang Theory and Philosophy, The Philosophy of The X-Files, The Philosophy of Steven Spielberg, and The Philosophy of Joss Whedon. He was born and raised in Wisconsin, and is a life-long Green Bay Packers fan. He is married and has two children. When he is not busy "Muldering-out" the truth--which *is* out there--he enjoys exercising, taking his kids to water parks, playing chess and ping-pong, an occasional glass of single-malt scotch (having yet to sample Mudder's Milk), and dropping well-placed pop culture references. Although he actually hasn't ever sent Rupert Murdoch 30 pieces of silverware, he agrees with Sheldon Cooper that Friday evenings aren't the same without his beloved Firefly. Murdoch!...Murrr-doch!!!