The Office and Philosophy: Scenes from the Unexamined Life (The Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture Series)

by J. Jeremy Wisnewski

The Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture Series

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Description

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? show more 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!). show less

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Member Reviews

2 reviews
A collection of essays which vary widely in quality and insight. Some are intriguing, if all-too-brief, glances into some interesting and relevant philosophical topics. Others lean more heavily on a playful examination of what could be more accurately described as character development. And still others are mostly excuses to try to be as funny and ironic as the television shows themselves (with more or less--usually less--success). Still, this book provides some interesting examinations of virtue, humor, knowledge and morality, and frequent references back to what are, regardless of their philosophical depth, enjoyable and amusing shows are sure to bring a smile or two as well.
I didn't agree to few observations from Jim and Pam portion. But eh. Good book overall.

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Author Information

19 Works 499 Members
J. Jeremy Wisnewski is associate professor,, of philosophy at Hartwick College in Oneonta, New York.

Series

Common Knowledge

Blurbers
Doherty, Christ; Nunez, Oscar; Bone, Jim; Robertson, Ed

Classifications

Genres
Nonfiction, Philosophy, General Nonfiction
DDC/MDS
791.4575Arts & recreationRecreation, sports, and performing artsPublic performancesMotion pictures, radio, television, podcastingTelevisionPrograms; television playsTwo or More Programs
LCC
PN1992.77 .O34 .O34Language and LiteratureLiterature (General)Literature (General)DramaBroadcastingTelevision broadcasts
BISAC

Statistics

Members
95
Popularity
339,549
Reviews
2
Rating
(3.94)
Languages
English
Media
Paper, Audiobook, Ebook
ISBNs
4
ASINs
2