James Bond and Philosophy: Questions Are Forever (Volume 23)

Held, J M

ISBN 10: 0812696077 / ISBN 13: 9780812696073

Published by Open Court, 2006

About this Item

Volume 23. This is an ex-library book and may have the usual library/used-book markings inside.This book has soft covers. In good all round condition. Please note the Image in this listing is a stock photo and may not match the covers of the actual item,450grams, ISBN:9780812696073.

Seller Inventory # 3979492

Bibliographic Details

• Title: James Bond and Philosophy: Questions Are Forever (Volume 23)
• Publisher: Open Court
• Publication Date: 2006
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0812696077
• ISBN 13: 9780812696073
• Binding: Soft cover
• Condition: Good
• Weight: 450 grams
• Seller catalogs:
  • Philosophy

About this title

Synopsis

“Bond. James Bond.” Since Sean Connery first uttered that iconic phrase in Dr. No, more than one quarter of the world’s population has seen a 007 film. Witty and urbane, Bond seduces and kills with equal ease — often, it seems, with equal enthusiasm. This enthusiasm, coupled with his freedom to do what is forbidden to everyone else, evokes fascinating philosophical questions. Here, 15 witty, thought-provoking essays discuss hidden issues in Bond’s world, from his carnal pleasures to his license to kill. Among the lively topics explored are Bond’s relation to existentialism, including his graduation “beyond good and evil”; his objectification of women; the paradox of breaking the law in order to ultimately uphold it like any “stupid policeman”; the personality of 007 in terms of Plato’s moral psychology; and the Hegelian quest for recognition evinced by Bond villains. A reference guide to all the Bond movies rounds out the book’s many pleasures.

Reviews

The latest volume in the Popular Culture and Philosophy series (which has also tackled the philosophical import of the Simpsons and Bob Dylan, among others) is sure to appeal to Bond fans. The contributors, professional philosophers, ask us to look at 007 as Kierkegaard's "seducer," a man who lives "purely at the aesthetic level of existence"; or as one of Plato's three archetypes (specifically the Guardian, a man ruled by honor, glory, and competitiveness). We examine the superspy's reasoning, objectification of women, and notions of retribution. The book is written for the lay reader--both in terms of philosophy and Bond knowledge (though a little familiarity with 007 lore helps). Fortunately, the contributors explain their philosophical terms clearly and without appearing to be dumbing anything down. Bond fans and readers with a philosophical bent will give this one a big thumbs-up. David Pitt
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