Philosophy through Film

Philosophy through Film uses popular movies to explore philosophical questions and problems, providing students with a familiar and rigorous approach to learning. The fourth edition includes new chapters on the mind-body problem, updated focus films, primary readings, and a website with film story lines.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 370 pages
Publication date: 07 December 2020
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

In Philosophy through Film, Amy Karofsky and Mary M. Litch delve into the depths of philosophy by utilizing recently released, highly acclaimed films to explore timeless questions in a captivating and intellectually rigorous manner. Each chapter serves as a captivating exploration of a central philosophical question or problem, while also presenting and evaluating some of the most compelling solutions proposed to it. The authors seamlessly incorporate the films into their discussions, leveraging them as valuable tools to assist students in gaining a comprehensive understanding of key topics within Western philosophy and honing their skills in philosophical argumentation.

The Fourth Edition of this groundbreaking text has undergone significant revisions and expansions, ensuring that it remains an invaluable resource for students and scholars alike. Among the notable changes are:

A brand new chapter dedicated to the mind-body problem, delving into the complexities of substance dualism, physicalism, eliminativism, functionalism, and other relevant theories.

A comprehensive update of the film selection, with nine new focus films added to the roster. These films, including Ad Astra, Arrival, Beautiful Boy, Divergent, Ex Machina, Her, Live Die Repeat: Edge of Tomorrow, A Serious Man, and Silence, offer captivating perspectives on philosophical themes and provide a rich source of material for discussion and analysis.

The inclusion of two new primary readings in the appendix, offering further insights into the topics explored in the text. Excerpts from Patricia Smith Churchlands' "Can Neurobiology Teach Us Anything about Consciousness?" and Frank Jackson's "What Mary Didn't Know" provide valuable perspectives and contribute to the broader understanding of the subject matter.

An enhanced feature of the book is the inclusion of a dedicated website. The Story Lines of Films by Elapsed Time feature provides a chronological breakdown of the key events and philosophical themes presented in each focus film. This resource enhances the learning experience by allowing students to track the development of philosophical ideas across different films and gain a deeper appreciation of the interconnectedness of philosophical concepts.

The films examined in depth in this edition are a testament to the diversity and richness of philosophical inquiry. From the science fiction masterpiece Ad Astra to the psychological thriller Memento, from the thought-provoking The Matrix to the philosophical exploration of consciousness in Her, each film offers a unique lens through which to examine philosophical concepts and dilemmas.

In Philosophy through Film, Amy Karofsky and Mary M. Litch have created a masterpiece that combines the power of visual storytelling with the depth of philosophical inquiry. This text is an essential resource for anyone seeking to explore the fascinating world of philosophy through the lens of film, and it will undoubtedly inspire and engage students and scholars alike.

Weight: 548g
Dimension: 152 x 227 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367408503
Edition number: 4 New edition