Academic philosophy may have lost its audience, but the
traditional subjects of philosophy -- love, death, justice,
knowledge, and faith -- remain as compelling as ever. To reach a
new generation, Paul W. Kahn argues that philosophy must take up
these fundamental concerns as we find them in contemporary culture.
He demonstrates how this can be achieved through a turn to popular
film.
Discussing such well-known movies as "Forrest Gump" (1994), "The
American President" (1995), "The Matrix" (1999), "Memento" (2000),
"The History of Violence" (2005), "Gran Torino" (2008), "The Dark
Knight" (2008), "The Road" (2009), and "Avata"r (2009), Kahn
explores powerful archetypes and their hold on us. His inquiry
proceeds in two parts. First, he uses film to explore the nature of
action and interpretation, arguing that narrative is the critical
concept for understanding both. Second, he explores the narratives
of politics, family, and faith as they appear in popular films.
Engaging with genres as diverse as romantic comedy, slasher film,
and pornography, Kahn explores the social imaginary through which
we create and maintain a meaningful world. He finds in popular
films a new setting for a philosophical inquiry into the timeless
themes of sacrifice, innocence, rebirth, law, and love.
General
Is the information for this product incomplete, wrong or inappropriate?
Let us know about it.
Does this product have an incorrect or missing image?
Send us a new image.
Is this product missing categories?
Add more categories.
Review This Product
No reviews yet - be the first to create one!