Iron Man and Philosophy : Facing the Stark Reality

by Series Editor: William Irwin (Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania); Editor: Mark D. White

• ISBN13: 9780470582886
• ISBN10: 047058288X
• Format: eBook
• Copyright: 2010-02-01
• Publisher: Wiley

Summary

The first look at the philosophy behind the Iron Man comics and movies, timed for the release of Iron Man 2 in March 2010On the surface, Iron Man appears to be a straightforward superhero, another rich guy fighting crime with fancy gadgets. But beneath the shiny armor and flashy technology lies Tony Stark, brilliant inventor and eccentric playboy, struggling to balance his desires, addictions, and relationships with his duties as the Armored Avenger. Iron Man and Philosophy explores the many philosophical issues that emerge from the essential conflicts found in the decades of Iron Man stories in comics and movies. What kind of moral compass does Tony Stark have? Is Iron Man responsible for the death of Captain America after the Marvel Universe "Civil War"? Should people like Stark run the world? How does Tonyrs"s alcoholism impact his performance as Iron Man, and what does it say about moral character? Ultimately, what can Iron Man teach us about the role of technology in society?As absorbing as Iron Man comic books and movies, Iron Man and Philosophy: Gives you a new perspective on Iron Man characters, story lines, and themes Shows what philosophical heavy hitters such as Aristotle, Locke, and Heidegger can teach us about Tony Stark/Iron Man Considers issues such as addiction, personal responsibility, the use of technology, and the role of governmentWhether you've been reading the comic books for years or have gotten into Iron Man through the movies, Iron Man and Philosophy is a must-have companion for every fan.

Table of Contents

Iron Introductions and Armored Acknowledgments

The Nuts and Bolts of Tony Stark

The Stark Madness of Technology

The Technological Subversion of Technology: Tony Stark, Heidegger and the Subject of Resistance

The Literal Making of a Superhero

Wearing the Armor Responsibly

Can Iron Man Atone for Tony Stark's Wrongs?

Did Iron Man Kill Captain America?

Fate at the Bottom of a Bottle: Alcohol and Tony Stark

The Iron Age: Tony Stark's Role in Society

Tony Stark and "The Gospel of Wealth"

™ and © Stark Industries: Iron Man and Property Rights

Tony Stark, Philosopher King of the Future?

The Mind Inside the Iron Man

Iron Man in a Chinese Room: Does Living Armor Think?

Flexing His Intelligence: Tony Stark's Brainy Brawn

Does Tony Stark Have an Iron Will?

The Virtue of an Avenger

Does Tony Stark Use a Moral Compass?

Flawed Heroes and Courageous Villains: Plato, Aristotle, and Iron Man on the Unity of the Virtues

"I Have a Good Life": Iron Man and the Avenger School of Virtue

What It Means to Be an Iron Man

Iron Man and the Problem of Progress

Engendering Justice in Iron Man

Iron Man's Transcendent Challenge

Contributor: Avengers Assembled

Index: Topics from the S.H.I.E.L.D. File on Tony Stark/Iron Man

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