Introducing Philosophy Through Film: Key Texts, Discussion, and Film Selections

“Introducing Philosophy Through Film is a truly wonderful introduction to the core problems of philosophy. Its combination of great films, classic articles from both historical and contemporary philosophers, wonderfully clear introductions to each section, and provocative questions for discussion make for an introduction that is as compelling as it is rigorous.”
Richard Foley, New York University

“Fumerton and Jeske have compiled an excellent anthology, filled with dozens of classic texts on the central problems of philosophy most often addressed in introductory philosophy courses. And the films they suggest will help introduce students to philosophy in the most enjoyable way possible.”
Michael Huemer, University of Colorado

From Monty Python and The Matrix to Casablanca and A Clockwork Orange, popular films offer surprisingly perceptive insights into complex philosophical concepts. Introducing Philosophy Through Film combines this novel pedagogical approach with all the virtues of a serious introductory anthology of classical and contemporary philosophical readings. The result is an engaging and effective way to fire the imagination of those new to philosophy. Drawing on a wide range of popular and easily accessible films ― along with the ideas of a diverse selection of historical and contemporary thinkers ― this book introduces many of the central areas of philosophical concern, including perception, philosophy of mind, ethics, religion, free will, determinism, and more. Chapter by chapter, the editors offer a discussion of relevant film clips to help illuminate and demystify the philosophical arguments and positions raised in the anthology’s readings.

By merging the cinematic and philosophical worlds, Introducing Philosophy Through Film provides a uniquely effective way for beginning students to engage with philosophy and gain insights into the human mind.

Richard Fumerton is the F. Wendell Miller Professor of Philosophy at the University of Iowa. He is the author of Metaphysical and Epistemological Problems of Perception (1985), Reason and Morality: A Defense of the Egocentric Perspective (1990), Metaepistemology and Skepticism (1995), Realism and the Correspondence Theory of Truth (2002), Epistemology (Blackwell, 2005), and Mill (with Wendy Donner, Wiley-Blackwell, 2009). His present teaching and research interests include epistemology, metaphysics, and value theory.

Diane Jeske is Associate Professor of Philosophy at the University of Iowa. Her teaching and research interests include ethics, political philosophy, and philosophy of law. She is the author of Rationality and Moral Theory: How Intimacy Generates Reasons (2008).