3rd Edition

Philosophy Goes to the Movies An Introduction to Philosophy

By Christopher Falzon Copyright 2015
    346 Pages 30 B/W Illustrations
    by Routledge

    346 Pages 30 B/W Illustrations
    by Routledge

    Now emulated in several competing publications, but still unsurpassed in clarity and insight, Philosophy Goes to the Movies: An Introduction to Philosophy, Third Edition builds on the approach that made the two earlier editions so successful. Drawing on many popular and some lesser known films from around the world, Christopher Falzon introduces students to key areas in philosophy, like:

    • Ethics

    • Social and Political Philosophy

    • The Theory of Knowledge

    • The Self and Personal Identity

    • Critical Thinking

    Perfect for beginners, this book guides the reader through philosophy using illuminating cinematic works, like Avatar, Inception, Fight Club, Wings of Desire, Run Lola Run, A Clockwork Orange, Blade Runner, Dirty Harry and many other films.

    The fully revised and updated Third Edition features: an expanded introduction that provides a new discussion of the relationship between film and philosophy; new material on notable philosophers such as Aristotle, Merleau-Ponty and Rawls; and coverage of new topics like virtue ethics and what Socrates offers for critical thinking. An updated glossary, references and bibliography, and a filmography, are also included in the Third Edition.

    Preface Introduction 1 Plato’s Picture Show – the theory of knowledge 2 All of Me – the self and personal identity 3 Crimes and Misdemeanors – moral philosophy 4 Antz – social and political philosophy 5 Modern Times – society, science, and technology 6 The Holy Grail – critical thinking Further Reading Glossary Bibliography Filmography Index

    Biography

    Christopher Falzon is a senior lecturer in Philosophy in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of Newcastle, Australia. He is the author of Foucault and Social Dialogue (1998) and Philosophy Goes to the Movies (2nd edition, 2007). He is also co-editor, with Timothy O’Leary, of Foucault and Philosophy (2010), and with Timothy O’Leary and Jana Sawicki, of the Blackwell Companion to Foucault (2013).

    This expanded edition, updated with a judicious selection of films from the last decade, maintains Philosophy Goes To The Movies as both an admirably clear and enthusiastic introduction to philosophy, its themes and arguments, through a discussion of film and films, and a valuable resource for students studying film as philosophy.

    Jerry Goodenough, University of East Anglia

    Chris Falzon's book—suitable for any intro to philosophy course—does full justice to the depth and variety of philosophy and film. Adopting a broad approach, it includes Continental figures (Foucault, the Frankfurt School) alongside more ‘analytic’ thinkers as well as challenging treatments of social philosophy and technology. The new edition takes up recent discussions in film theory and adds new sections on, for example, virtue ethics. The writing is stylish and crisp, and doesn’t talk down to students. An outstanding introduction to philosophy that makes widespread use of cinematic offerings.  

    Martin Donougho, Philosophy, University of South Carolina-Columbia

    Philosophy Goes to the Movies is, bar none, the best text for introducing students to philosophical concepts through the use of film. I have used it several times in my courses and am eager to do so again with the new edition. I especially appreciate its erudite discussion of both recent and classic movies.

    Tim Madigan, St. John Fisher College