Lost and Philosophy: The Island Has Its Reasons (2008)

by Sharon Kaye

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196	5	139,885	(3.58)	5
"Expanded and up-to-date-the ultimate guide that explores meaning and philosophy of all six seasons of Lost Lost is more than just a popular television show; it's a complex examination of meaningful philosophical questions. What does good versus evil mean on the island? Is it a coincidence that characters John Locke and Desmond David Hume are named after actual philosophers? What is the ethics of responsibility for Jack? An action-adventure story with more than a touch of the metaphysical, Lost forces viewers to ask difficult questions of themselves just as the story asks difficult questions of its characters. Ultimate Lost and Philosophy helps you explore the deeper meaning and philosophical questions hidden within every complex twist and turn in the historic show's entire six-season run. Includes every season of Lost, including 2010's final, highly anticipated season Connects events on the show to core philosophical issues such as truth, identity, and morality Explores a host of intriguing topics such as time travel,freedom, love, and loss For fans of Lost who are interested in what the show reveals about ourselves and the human condition, Ultimate Lost and Philosophy is an entertaining, informative, and enlightening resource."-- "Ultimate Lost and Philosophy helps you explore the deeper meaning and philosophical questions hidden within every complex twist and turn in the historic show's entire six-season run. Includes every season of Lost, including 2010's final, highly anticipated season Connects events on the show to core philosophical issues such as truth, identity, and morality Explores a host of intriguing topics such as time travel, freedom, love, and loss"--… (more)

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La filosofia di Lost by Simone Regazzoni (Ronoc)

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A little complicated to follow not having seen Lost, but still a great book. I found many useful concepts related to what I have already been using in my next book, Schroedinger’s Cheshire Cats. (

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drardavis | Nov 4, 2013 |

In the 'Philosophy and Pop Culture' series we now take a look of the philosophical aspects of the hit TV-series Lost. It a good starting point because of its mysteriousness and hey... even some of the characters were named after famous philosophers. We can think about some ancient questions such as 'Why are we here?', 'Is there a God?', 'Is there a thing like coincidence?', etc. The essays are good although sometimes rather dry.... (

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TheCrow2 | Sep 12, 2013 |

The creators of Lost have always stated that they incorporate references to books and people mindfully in the show. Many times, these references are to philosophers and their works. Since not every viewer of the show will have time to pursue in-depth philosophical studies, and since a quick review on Wikipedia might not make all the specific connections to the show, this book of essays can prove useful for viewers wanting to take the ideas in the show one step further. The series of essays range in tone and accessibility to those not-so-familiar with philosophy. All are written by academics or students desiring to become them. But if nothing else, there are triggers to further exploration here.

For an example of the kinds of things in this book, consider four sample essay titles:
What Do Jack and Locke Owe Their Fathers
Lost in Codes: Interpretation and Deconstruction in Lost's Narrative
"The Others Are Coming": Ideology and Otherness in Lost
Aquinas and Rose on Faith and Reason

The essays are short, so by necessity some things are a bit oversimplified. Plus, as with any book based on a TV show, plot changes can render a new perspective on things, and leave new questions. (For instance, this book has a single index reference to Bentham, and it's not nearly relevant enough to revelations at the end of Season 4. It also doesn't include anything to do with physics, but I suppose that's another book.)

The book is interesting, just don't take it as authoritative. Use the essays as a jumping-off point, and the intent of the book will have been fulfilled.

WalkerMedia | Dec 11, 2008 |

This book doesn't provide any answers, but it does provide a philosophical structure in which to understand and discuss the questions of Lost - science and faith, free will and determinism, otherness, existentialism, and ethics, just to name a few. It is also enlightening to recognize how consciously the creators of Lost have used concepts of philosophy, and not just in the names of characters, e.g. Locke, Rousseau, Hume, etc. I chose not to take a philosophy course in college after one class left me bored and frustrated. But this book has given me a greater appreciation for some of the schools of philosophical thought. (

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tbirchlibn | May 26, 2008 |

I am Lost obssessed!This book is pretty interesting....I'll let you know more when I am done! (

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TriciaDM | Jul 14, 2011 |

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Lost and Philosophy: The Island Has Its Reasons

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2008

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Lost Flight

Mythology of Lost

Wikipedia:Articles for deletion/Mythology of Lost

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"Expanded and up-to-date-the ultimate guide that explores meaning and philosophy of all six seasons of Lost Lost is more than just a popular television show; it's a complex examination of meaningful philosophical questions. What does good versus evil mean on the island? Is it a coincidence that characters John Locke and Desmond David Hume are named after actual philosophers? What is the ethics of responsibility for Jack? An action-adventure story with more than a touch of the metaphysical, Lost forces viewers to ask difficult questions of themselves just as the story asks difficult questions of its characters. Ultimate Lost and Philosophy helps you explore the deeper meaning and philosophical questions hidden within every complex twist and turn in the historic show's entire six-season run. Includes every season of Lost, including 2010's final, highly anticipated season Connects events on the show to core philosophical issues such as truth, identity, and morality Explores a host of intriguing topics such as time travel,freedom, love, and loss For fans of Lost who are interested in what the show reveals about ourselves and the human condition, Ultimate Lost and Philosophy is an entertaining, informative, and enlightening resource."-- "Ultimate Lost and Philosophy helps you explore the deeper meaning and philosophical questions hidden within every complex twist and turn in the historic show's entire six-season run. Includes every season of Lost, including 2010's final, highly anticipated season Connects events on the show to core philosophical issues such as truth, identity, and morality Explores a host of intriguing topics such as time travel, freedom, love, and loss"--

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