Final Fantasy and Philosophy The Ultimate Walkthrough

by Irwin, William; Blahuta, Jason P.; Beaulieu, Michel S.

• ISBN13: 9780470415368
• ISBN10: 0470415363
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2009-10-12
• Publisher: Wiley

Summary

The first unauthorized look behind one of the top three video game franchises of all time, Final FantasyThe Final Fantasy universe is packed with compelling characters and incredible story lines. In this book, you'll take a fascinating look at the deeper issues that Final Fantasy forces players to think about while trying to battle their way to the next level, such as: Does Cloud really exist (or should we really care)? Kefka is one of most infamous villains in all of Final Fantasy, but is he really insane? Shouldn't Moogles have equal rights?As Mages, Moogles, fiends, and Kefka are mashed together with the likes of Machiavelli, Marx, Foucault, and Kafka, you'll delve into crucial topics such as the three major moral theories, nihilism, madness, environmental ethics, shintoism, the purpose of life, and much more. Examines the philosophical issues behind one of the world's oldest and most popular videogame series Offers new perspectives on Final Fantasy characters and themes Gives you a psychological advantage-or at least a philosophical one-against your Final Fantasy enemies Allows you to apply the wisdom of centuries of philosophy to any game in the series, including the forthcoming Final Fantasy XIIIGuaranteed to add a new dimension to your understanding of the Final Fantasy universe, this book is the ultimate companion to the ultimate video game series.

Author Biography

Jason P. Blahuta is an associate professor of philosophy at Lakehead University and has contributed to Battlestar Galactica and Philosophy and Terminator and philosophy. Michel S. Beaulieu is an assistant professor of history at Lakehead University. William Irwin is a professor of philosophy at King's College. The originated the philosophy and popular culture genre of books as coeditor of the best selling The Simpsons and Philosophy and has overseen recent titles including Batman and Philosophy, House and Philosophy, and Watchmen and Philosophy.

Table of Contents

Getting Started: The Alternative Instruction Booklet	p. 1
Basic Controls and Understanding Your Characters
The Spiky-Haired Mercenary vs. the French Narrative Theorist: Final Fantasy and the Writerly Text	p. 5
Kefka, Nietzsche, Foucault: Madness and Nihilism in Final Fantasy VI	p. 20
Judging the Art of Video Games: Hume and the Standard of Taste	p. 33
Playing The Game-But What If It's Not A Game?
The Lifestream, Mako, and Gaia	p. 47
Gaia and Environmental Ethics in The Spirits Within	p. 61
Objectiflcation of Conscious Life Forms in Final Fantasy	p. 72
Abilities You Never Knew You Had
Final Fantasy and the Purpose of Life	p. 87
The Four Warriors of Light Saved the World, but They Don't Deserve Our Thanks	p. 110
Side Quests of the Enlightened
Shinto and Alien Influences in Final Fantasy VII	p. 125
Kupo for Karl and the Materialist Conception of History	p. 142
Sin, Otherworldliness, and the Downside to Hope	p. 151
Other Ways to Enjoy the Game So It Never Ends
Human, All Too Human: Cloud's Existential Quest for Authenticity	p. 167
Is the Fear of Stopping Justified?	p. 185
What's in a Name? Cid, Cloud, and How Names Refer	p. 195
Contributors: Party Menu	p. 209
Index: Game Tips	p. 213
Table of Contents provided by Ingram. All Rights Reserved.