Philosophy Through Fiction and Film
Editorial Reviews
Book Description
Philosophy Through Fiction and Film was written to introduce students to philosophy by means of literature and films as well as the systematic works of philosophers. The book therefore incorporates the perspectives of creative writers and film directors who express philosophic ideas. Through this multi-dimensional approach, the student is better able to understand philosophy, for the concepts are presented in a more immediate and lively way, one that shows various facets of ideas and appeals to different learning styles. The works that are anthologized and summarized from philosophy, literature, and moving pictures are grouped under the major branches of philosophy, each in a separate chapter. Substantial introductions describe each of the branches and critically evaluate the basic concepts and theories within them. At the end of each chapter an extensive bibliography is provided for further exploration; this should be especially valuable for identifying films that contain philosophic themes. The book therefore covers the major fields of philosophy including epistemology or theory of knowledge; metaphysics, the study of the nature of reality; ethics, the evaluation of our life purpose, conduct, and character; philosophy of religion, the critical analysis of religious belief; and political philosophy, theories of the ideal state. The introductions, as well as the headnotes preceding each selection, interpret the literature or film, explaining the rationale for grouping them under the various headings. In the case of film, synopses are provided that explain the philosophic points that they express. Study questions follow each selection to further point up the philosophic themes. The principal of selection that was used is that of effectiveness in presenting fundamental philosophic ideas and high quality by world standards. As might be expected, employing this principle resulted in a diverse and multicultural group of selections from twelve countries including Russia, Japan, Canada, Nigeria, Ireland, Greece, Scotland, the United States, and so forth. Both men and women are represented, different races, and the ancient, Medieval, modern, and contemporary world. The bibliographies contain an even broader array of works from North America, South America, Europe, Africa, and Asia. To view philosophy through literature can place the ideas within a human context. Philosophy and literature often have similar concerns, so the novel, play, or short story can offer a rich source for reflection, showing the basic issues of human life in a moving way. At the same time, all great literature is inherently philosophical, as George Santayana wrote, so the reading of literature can be illuminated by an awareness of its philosophic content. In a similar way, films offer a unique and engaging introduction to philosophy. Movies are extremely prevalent in today's culture, resonating strongly with audiences, so their inclusion in summary form makes the philosophic ideas more current, personal, and accessible. Many students will be more familiar with the films than with either the literary or philosophic works, and the expositions will show the philosophic meaning of the movie. Nevertheless, students who read the summary and excerpt from the screenplay should then view the film itself (or re-view it) whenever possible. For the impact of seeing the film far exceeds that of the synopsis or script, just as the musical score is meant to be performed and the written play takes on additional depth when staged in a theater. Classes can watch a film together in a viewing room in the library, or videotapes can be made available for viewing at home. This is especially valuable for long films and when class time is better used for explication and discussion. Additional viewing assignments could also be valuable in understanding philosophy through film. Students could watch 2 or 3 outside films during the term, drawn from the bibliography or current releases, and report on the philosophic ideas they contain. These could be individual or group projects, for presentation in class or in written form. Philosophy Through Fiction and Film therefore offers an original approach to philosophy using literary and film narratives along with standard philosophic works. The fundamental fields of philosophy are covered but in a fresh way, using a wide range of sources and a variety of viewpoints. As Thomas Mann wrote, "All subject matter is boring unless ideas shine through it." The fiction and film enrich the philosophic dialogue, linking traditional philosophy to our contemporary experience, while the philosophic works ground the issues, showing their deeper significance. The result is that philosophy comes alive as something vivid and compelling.
From the Back Cover
Philosophy Through Fiction and Film breaks new ground for the introductory philosophy course. Burton Porter introduces students to philosophy using literary works and films together with classic works of leading philosophers. The use of fiction and film enriches the philosophic dialogue, linking traditional philosophy to students' contemporary experience, while the philosophic works ground the issues, showing their deeper significance. Philosophy comes alive as something vivid and compelling!
Features of Philosophy Through Fiction and Film!
Philosophy Through Fiction and Film,Burton F. Porter,Prentice Hall,0130975060,Film & Video - General,Gay & Lesbian,General,Literary Criticism,Literature and morals,Moral and ethical aspects,Motion pictures,Philosophy,Semiotics & Theory,Special Subjects In Motion Pictures,Theory Of Literature,Philosophy / General
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