Better Call Saul and Philosophy

Better Call Saul and Philosophy: I Think, Therefore I Scam is a collection of twenty-three essays exploring the philosophical themes in the hit television show Better Call Saul, a prequel to Breaking Bad. The central character is Jimmy McGill, a natural con artist who scams from self-interest and enjoys it. The show raises a wide range of philosophical issues, including the nature of good and evil, personal identity, free will and determinism, the law as it relates to morality, the ethical implications of the war on drugs, death and dying, and many more.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 280 pages
Publication date: 28 July 2022
Publisher: Carus Books

Better Call Saul and Philosophy: I Think Therefore I Scam is a captivating collection of twenty-three essays that delve into the profound philosophical themes explored in the hit television show Better Call Saul, serving as a prequel to the iconic series Breaking Bad. The sixth and final season of Better Call Saul aired from April to August 2022, captivating audiences with its intricate storytelling and captivating characters. At the heart of the series is Jimmy McGill, a natural con artist known from Breaking Bad as Saul Goodman. In Better Call Saul, he assumes the name Saul Goodman from the iconic phrase "Sall Good, Man!" Jimmy/Saul is not just driven by self-interest but also by his genuine enjoyment of scamming others. His complex relationship with his brother, Charles McGill, a distinguished lawyer who resents Jimmy's delinquency and advantage in parental affection, adds depth to his character. As Jimmy/Saul becomes a lawyer for a drug cartel, he encounters a diverse range of criminals and villains, raising a plethora of philosophical questions. Similar to Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul delves into a wide array of philosophical issues, including the nature of good and evil, personal identity, free will and determinism, the relationship between law and morality, the ethical implications of the war on drugs, death and dying, and many more. Better Call Saul and Philosophy provides a thoughtful and enriching experience for fans of the show, offering deeper insights into the story and the characters.

The topics covered in this collection are diverse and thought-provoking. They include the morality of keeping promises to wrongdoers, the nature of psychosomatic illness, the difficult moral choices faced by lawyers, the complexity of the characters' moral compass, the unintended consequences of the War on Drugs, the similarities between drug cartels and governments, the question of whether bad people are simply unlucky, the perils of self-deception, and the extent to which we truly have control over our choices.

Through the lens of philosophy, Better Call Saul and Philosophy invites viewers to contemplate the intricacies of human nature, the consequences of our actions, and the moral dilemmas we face in everyday life. It serves as a testament to the power of storytelling and the ability of television to engage viewers on a philosophical level, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the world around us.

In conclusion, Better Call Saul and Philosophy: I Think Therefore I Scam is a must-read for fans of the show and anyone interested in exploring the philosophical dimensions of television. It offers a profound and thought-provoking exploration of the themes that resonate throughout Better Call Saul, providing a deeper understanding of the characters and the world they inhabit. Whether you are a seasoned philosopher or a casual viewer, this collection will leave you with a renewed appreciation for the complexities of human nature and the power of storytelling to inspire introspection and reflection.

Dimension: 228 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781637700266