The Office and Philosophy: Scenes from the Unexamined Life (The Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture Series)
(Book #8 in the Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture Series)
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Book Overview
Just when you thought paper couldn't be more exciting, this book comes your way This book--jammed full of paper--unites philosophy with one of the best shows ever: The Office. Addressing both the current American incarnation and the original British version, The Office and Philosophy brings these two wonders of civilization together for a frolic through the mundane yet curiously edifying worlds of Scranton's Dunder-Mifflin and Slough's Wernham-Hogg.
Is Michael Scott in denial about death? Are Pam and Jim ever going to figure things out? Is David Brent an essentialist? Surprisingly, The Office can teach us about the mind, Aristotle, and humiliation. Even more surprisingly, paper companies can allow us to better understand business ethics. Don't believe it? Open this book, and behold its beautiful paper...
Join the philosophical fray as we explore the abstract world of philosophy through concrete scenes of the unexamined life in The Office. You may discover that Gareth Keenan is secretly a brilliant logician, that Dwight Schrute is better off deceiving himself, that David Brent is an example of hyperreality, and that Michael Scott is hopelessly lost (but you probably already knew that ).
Is Michael Scott in denial about death? Are Pam and Jim ever going to figure things out? Is David Brent an essentialist? Surprisingly, The Office can teach us about the mind, Aristotle, and humiliation. Even more surprisingly, paper companies can allow us to better understand business ethics. Don't believe it? Open this book, and behold its beautiful paper...
Join the philosophical fray as we explore the abstract world of philosophy through concrete scenes of the unexamined life in The Office. You may discover that Gareth Keenan is secretly a brilliant logician, that Dwight Schrute is better off deceiving himself, that David Brent is an example of hyperreality, and that Michael Scott is hopelessly lost (but you probably already knew that ).
Format:Paperback
Language:English
ISBN:1405175559
ISBN13:9781405175555
Release Date:April 2008
Publisher:Wiley-Blackwell
Length:336 Pages
Weight:1.02 lbs.
Dimensions:0.6" x 6.3" x 8.9"
Customer Reviews
2 ratings
"The Office and Philosophy" -- Geeky Cool!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 15 years ago
What an amazing book! For anyone who LOVES "The Office" (either UK of US version), has ever had full-on intellectual discussions about it, maybe even felt a little dirty for having those discussions. For anyone who has ever wondered if these characters, or if any show, is worth so much mulling over and picking apart. The clear answer is a resounding "YES!" Intellectuals rejoice, you have found a place where all of those theories and ideas you've had are on paper. Sure, you might not agree with some of the essays, but isn't that the joy of intellectual discourse? If you buy this book, you might want to buy 2 or find a friend who would also be inclined to read it so you have someone to discuss the contents with as you read. Just to recap what this book is: it is an anthology of academic papers on different moral and ethical issues and situations that are brought to light in both the UK and US versions of "The Office." It is a very clever, well thought, well chosen, and well organized anthology. Please note though, that I give this book a 5 out of 5 IF you are a fan of "The Office" and IF you are a fan of intellectual discourse. If not: forget it, move on, start with the show on DVD and work your way up.
Nice medium between entertainment and integrity
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 16 years ago
This is the first book I have read from the Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture Series. I am especially impressed with the very high degree of intellectual integrity and sophistication maintained throughout. The philosophy promised in the title is not glossed over or dumbed-down for a general audience. Yet, this book is eminently comprehensible and entertaining to the lay person (e.g., me). If you like to analyze shows that possess depth and subtlety, as "the office" no doubt does, you will not be disappointed here!
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