Spider-Man and Philosophy The Web of Inquiry

by Irwin, William; Sanford, Jonathan J.

• ISBN13: 9780470575604
• ISBN10: 0470575603
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2012-05-15
• Publisher: Wiley

Summary

Untangle the complex web of philosophical dilemmas of Spidey and his world-in time for the release of The Amazing Spider-Man movie Since Stan Lee and Marvel introduced Spider-Man in Amazing Fantasy #15 in 1962, everyone's favorite webslinger has had a long career in comics, graphic novels, cartoons, movies, and even on Broadway. In this book some of history's most powerful philosophers help us explore the enduring questions and issues surrounding this beloved superhero: Is Peter Parker to blame for the death of his uncle? Does great power really bring great responsibility? Can Spidey champion justice and be with Mary Jane at the same time? Finding your way through this web of inquiry, you'll discover answers to these and many other thought-provoking questions. Gives you a fresh perspective and insights on Peter Parker and Spider-Man's story lines and ideas Examines important philosophical issues and questions, such as: What is it to live a good life? Do our particular talents come with obligations? What role should friendship play in life? Is there any meaning to life? Views Spider-Man through the lens of some of history's most influential thinkers, from Aristotle, Thomas Aquinas, and Immanuel Kant to Nietszche, William James, Ayn Rand, and Alasdair MacIntyre

Author Biography

Jonathan J. Sanford is a professor of philosophy and Chair of the Department of Philosophy at Franciscan University of Steubenville. William Irwin is a professor of philosophy at King's College in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. He originated the philosophy and popular culture genre of books as coeditor of the bestselling The Simpsons and Philosophy and has overseen recent titles including Batman and Philosophy, Alice in Wonderland and Philosophy, and Watchmen and Philosophy.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments	p. xi
Introduction	p. 1
The Spectacular Life of Spider-Man?
Does Peter Parker Have a Good Life?	p. 7
What Price Atonement? Peter Parker and the Infinite Debt	p. 22
"My Name is Peter Parker": Unmasking the Right and the Good	p. 37
Responsibility-Man
"With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility": Spider-Man, Christian Ethics, and the Problem of Evil	p. 55
Does Great Power Bring Great Responsibility? Spider-Man and the Good Samaritan	p. 70
With Great Power Comes Great Culpability: How Blameworthy Is Spider-Man for Uncle Ben's Death?	p. 86
Spider-Sense and the Self
Why Is My Spider-Sense Tingling?	p. 103
Red or Black: Perception, Identity, and Self	p. 119
With Great Power: Heroism, Villainy, and Bodily Transformation	p. 131
Arachnids "R" Us: Technology and the Human, All Too Human
Transhumanism: Or, Is It Right to Make a Spider-Man?	p. 145
Maximum Clonage: What the Clone Saga Can Teach Us about Human Cloning	p. 159
Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man
Justice versus Romantic Love: Can Spider-Man Champion Justice and Be with Mary Jane at the Same Time?	p. 177
Love, Friendship, and Being Spider-Man	p. 188
Spidey's Tangled Web of Obligations: Fighting Friends and Dependents Gone Bad	p. 200
The Amazing Speaking Spider: Jokes, Stories, and the Choices We Make
The Quipslinger: The Morality of Spider-Man's Jokes	p. 217
The Sound and the Fury behind "One More Day"	p. 231
Spider-Man and the Importance of Getting Your Story Straight	p. 243
Contributors	p. 257
Index	p. 263
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