30 Rock and Philosophy: We Want to Go to There - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0470575581 ISBN 13: 9780470575581

Publisher: Wiley, 2010

Synopsis

A fascinating exploration of the philosophy behind NBC’s hit TV series, 30 Rock

With edgy writing and a great cast, 30 Rock is one of the funniest television shows on the air—and where hilarity ensues, philosophical questions abound: Are Liz Lemon and Jack Donaghy ethical heroes? Kenneth redefines "goody two shoes", but what does it really mean to be good? Dr. Leo Spaceman routinely demonstrates that medicine is not a science, so what is the role of the incompetent professional in America today?

In 30 Rock and Philosophy, Tina Fey and her fellow cast members are thrust onto the philosophical stage with Plato, Aristotle, Kantand other great thinkers to examine these key questions and many others that involve the characters and plotlines of 30 Rock and its fictional TGS with Tracy Jordan comedy show.

• Takes an entertaining, up-close look at the philosophical issues behind 30 Rock's characters and storylines, from post-feminist ideals to workaholism and the meaning of life
• Equips you with a new understanding of Liz Lemon, Jack Donaghy, Tracy Jordan, Jenna Maroney, Dr. Spaceman, and other characters
• Gives you deep and meaningful new reasons (who knew?) for watching Tina Fey and your other favorites on 30 Rock

Ideal for both casual and diehard fans, this book is the essential companion for every 30 Rock­-watcher.

About this title

From the Back Cover

Should you let Oprah be your guide?

Is immoral behavior no laughing matter?

Can Devon Banks choose his sexual orientation?

Is that a dealbreaker?

Hello, dummy. Wait! Don't stop reading. This is really important. I'm dying. Okay, that was a lie. It's about this TV show I love. I recently discovered that I'm a 30 Rock addict. From Jack Donaghy's management advice to the things Liz Lemon has to do just to get a show on the air every week, 30 Rock raises all kinds of ethical dilemmas and philosophical issues. Okay, it's not like reading Wittgenstein, but it makes you wise. Like a genetically manipulated shark. Every essay in 30 Rock and Philosophy takes some of my favorite scenes from the show and uses them to explain important philosophical issues. Even the most esoteric ideas become understandable when Kenneth is involved. So if you watch the show for Tracy's antics, Dr. Spaceman's medical advice, or just to look at Tina Fey, read this book and you'll walk away knowing about the Frankfurt School, Aristotle, and Jack Donaghy's sordid love life. Now that we have that out of the way, I have an idea for a business that could make us both millionaires. One word: floppy disks.

To learn more about the Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture series, visit www.andphilosophy.com

About the Author

J. JEREMY WISNEWSKI is an associate professor of philosophy at Hartwick College in Oneonta, New York. He coedited X-Men and Philosophy and Twilight and Philosophy and edited Family Guy and Philosophy and The Office 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 Batman and Philosophy, House and Philosophy, and Mad Men and Philosophy.

Edition details

• Publisher: Wiley
• Publication date: 2010
• ISBN 10: 0470575581
• ISBN 13: 9780470575581
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 240
• Editor: William Irwin