Steven Spielberg and Philosophy: We're Gonna Need a Bigger Book (The Philosophy of Popular Culture) - Tapa dura

""A fresh, entertaining way to learn about philosophy through the ever-popular world of film." -- Choice" -- ""Kowalski provides film scholars with a new means of analyzing Spielberg's canon while introducing the novice student of philosophy to the basic tenets of philosophical thought through the use of popular culture." --Choice" -- ""With the exception of Martin Scorsese, perhaps no other contemporary filmmaker garners more academic attention than Spielberg, proving -- as this book so aptly demonstrates -- that his films serve as more than vehicles of entertainment." --Choice" -- ""This book explores perennial issues such as love and friendship, faith and reason, democracy and citizenship, virtue and evil, existentialism and authenticity, and feminism and pragmatism." --news.uky.edu, University of Kentucky News" -- ""In a sure sign that Steven Spielberg has finally been accepted into the academic canon after many years of being unfairly disparaged as a superficial entertainer, his films have now become the subject of passionate philosophical inquiry and debate. This lively collection of essays on the ideas underpinning his films enriches and enlarges our understanding of Spielberg's complex body of work."--Joseph McBride, author of Steven Spielberg: A Biography" -- ""At its heart, Steven Spielberg and Philosophy is a work that questions how the reader views Spielberg as a director, his various films, and even life itself. For these reasons alone, it is deserving of a spot on your bookshelf." --Ryan McKnight, Film Matters" -- ""Steven Spielberg and Philosophy provides an engrossing and insightful examination of the cultural and intellectual breadth of Spielberg's films. It is an indispensable collection for anyone seriously interested in the director." --Charles L.P. Silet, editor of The Films of Steven Spielberg: Critical Essays" --

Without question, few directors have had such a powerful influence on the film industry and the moviegoing public as Steven Spielberg. Often referred to as the most successful American filmmaker of all time, Spielberg has been nominated for the Academy Award for Best Director six times, winning twice-for Schindler's List in 1994 and Saving Private Ryan in 1999. Seven of his films have received the Best Picture Oscar nomination. He has brought to life some of the most popular heroes of all time, such as Indiana Jones, as well as some of the most despised villains, including Amon Goeth from Schindler's List and the killer shark from Jaws. Whatever the subject-dinosaurs, war, extra-terrestrials, slavery, the Holocaust, or terrorism-one clear and consistent touchstone is present in all of Spielberg's films: an interest in the human condition. In Steven Spielberg and Philosophy, Dean A. Kowalski and some of the nation's most respected philosophers investigate Spielberg's art to illuminate the nature of humanity. The book explores rich themes such as cinematic realism, fictional belief, terrorism, family ethics, consciousness, virtue and moral character, human rights, and religion in Spielberg's work. Avid moviegoers and deep thinkers will discover plenty of common ground in this collection.