Spider-Man and Philosophy: The Web of Inquiry
Author(s): Jonathan J. Sanford
Untangle the complex web of philosophical dilemmas of Spidey and his world - in time for the release of "The Amazing Spider-Man" movie. Since Stan Lee and Marvel introduced "Spider-Man in Amazing Fantasy number 15" in 1962, everyone's favorite webslinger has had a long career in comics, graphic novels, cartoons, movies, and even on Broadway. In this book some of history's most powerful philosophers help us explore the enduring questions and issues surrounding this beloved superhero: Is Peter Parker to blame for the death of his uncle? Does great power really bring great responsibility? Can Spidey champion justice and be with Mary Jane at the same time? Finding your way through this web of inquiry, you'll discover answers to these and many other thought-provoking questions. This title gives you a fresh perspective and insights on Peter Parker and Spider-Man's story lines and ideas. It examines important philosophical issues and questions, such as: What is it to live a good life? Do our particular talents come with obligations? What role should friendship play in life? And, is there any meaning to life?
This title views Spider-Man through the lens of some of history's most influential thinkers, from Aristotle, Thomas Aquinas, and Immanuel Kant to Nietszche, William James, Ayn Rand, and Alasdair MacIntyre.
Product Information
Jonathan J. Sanford is a professor of philosophy and Chair of the Department of Philosophy at Franciscan University of Steubenville. 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, Alice in Wonderland and Philosophy, and Watchmen and Philosophy.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS xi INTRODUCTION 1 PART ONE THE SPECTACULAR LIFE OF SPIDER-MAN? 1 Does Peter Parker Have a Good Life? 7 Neil Mussett 2 What Price Atonement? Peter Parker and the Infinite Debt 22 Taneli Kukkonen 3 âMy Name is Peter Parker": Unmasking the Right and the Good 37 Mark D. White PART TWO RESPONSIBILITY-MAN 4 âWith Great Power Comes Great Responsibility": Spider-Man, Christian Ethics, and the Problem of Evil 55 Adam Barkman 5 Does Great Power Bring Great Responsibility? Spider-Man and the Good Samaritan 70 J. Keeping 6 With Great Power Comes Great Culpability: How Blameworthy Is Spider-Man for Uncle Ben's Death? 86 Philip Tallon PART THREE SPIDER-SENSE AND THE SELF 7 Why Is My Spider-Sense Tingling? 103 Andrew Terjesen 8 Red or Black: Perception, Identity, and Self 119 Meaghan P. Godwin 9 With Great Power: Heroism, Villainy, and Bodily Transformation 131 Mark K. Spencer PART FOUR ARACHNIDS âR" US: TECHNOLOGY AND THE HUMAN, ALL TOO HUMAN 10 Transhumanism: Or, Is It Right to Make a Spider-Man? 145 Ron Novy 11 Maximum Clonage: What the Clone Saga Can Teach Us about Human Cloning 159 Jason Southworth and John Timm PART FIVE YOUR FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOOD SPIDER-MAN 12 Justice versus Romantic Love: Can Spider-Man Champion Justice and Be with Mary Jane at the Same Time? 177 Charles Taliaferro and Tricia Little 13 Love, Friendship, and Being Spider-Man 188 Tony Spanakos 14 Spidey's Tangled Web of Obligations: Fighting Friends and Dependents Gone Bad 200 Christopher Robichaud PART SIX THE AMAZING SPEAKING SPIDER: JOKES, STORIES, AND THE CHOICES WE MAKE 15 The Quipslinger: The Morality of Spider-Man's Jokes 217 Daniel P. Malloy 16 The Sound and the Fury behind âOne More Day" 231 Mark D. White 17 Spider-Man and the Importance of Getting Your Story Straight 243 Jonathan J. Sanford CONTRIBUTORS 257 INDEX 263
General Fields
- :
- : John Wiley and Sons Ltd
- : John Wiley & Sons Ltd
- : 0.384
- : 30 April 2012
- : 224mm X 154mm X 20mm
- : United Kingdom
- : 01 July 2012
- : books
Special Fields
- : Jonathan J. Sanford
- : Paperback
- : 100
- : 288