Game of Thrones and Philosophy: Logic Cuts Deeper Than Swords - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1118161998 ISBN 13: 9781118161999

Publisher: Wiley, 2012

Synopsis

An in-depth look at the philosophical issues behind HBO's Game of Thrones television series and the books that inspired it

George R.R. Martin's New York Times bestselling epic fantasy book series, A Song of Ice and Fire, and the HBO television show adapted from it, have earned critical acclaim and inspired fanatic devotion. This book delves into the many philosophical questions that arise in this complex, character-driven series, including: Is it right for a "good" king to usurp the throne of a "bad" one and murder his family? How far should you go to protect your family and its secrets? In a fantasy universe with medieval mores and ethics, can female characters reflect modern feminist ideals?

• Timed for the premiere of the second season of the HBO Game of Thrones series
• Gives new perspectives on the characters, storylines, and themes of Game of Thrones
• Draws on great philosophers from ancient Greece to modern America to explore intriguing topics such as the strange creatures of Westeros, the incestuous relationship of Jaime and Cersei Lannister, and what the kings of Westeros can show us about virtue and honor (or the lack thereof) as they play their game of thrones

Essential reading for fans, Game of Thrones and Philosophy will enrich your experience of your favorite medieval fantasy series.

About this title

From the Back Cover:

Are honor and virtue necessary for happiness, or do they get in the way?

Can wargs, direwolves, and other magical beings reveal truths about consciousness and our own reality?

Does prophecy show that we are mere pawns of destiny, or are we free to live authentic lives?

If ever a story was ripe for philosophical analysis, George R. R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series is. In Westeros and beyond the Narrow Sea, Martin's fantasy world is filled with dozens of complex characters in conflict with themselves and others, facing self-doubt, moral hazard, deception, uncertainty, hubris, and social and political unrest. While the Seven Kingdoms have been plunged into war, beyond the Wall, the horrors of winter are coming. And far away, a young queen wrestles with her destiny as she journeys to reclaim her home. This insightful guide draws on the works of Machiavelli, Hobbes, Descartes, Augustine, Plato, Aristotle, and many other great philosophers to analyze key characters and plotlines while exploring themes of war, honor, knowledge, morality, gender politics, and more.

About the Author:

HENRY JACOBY teaches philosophy at East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina. He is the editor of House and Philosophy and a contributor to South Park and Philosophy.

WILLIAM IRWIN is a professor of philosophy at King's College in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. 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 Inception and Philosophy, Alice in Wonderland and Philosophy, and Mad Men and Philosophy.

About this edition

• Publisher: Wiley
• Publication date: 2012
• ISBN 10: 1118161998
• ISBN 13: 9781118161999
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 320
• Editor: Jacoby Henry