Product Description

This thought-provoking book examines the philosophical issues arising from the re-imagined Battlestar Galactica
television series, revealing how the ragtag fleet's outward journey to Earth is also an inward exploration for the human survivors and their Cylon pursuers.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #43933 in Books
• Published on: 2008-01-29
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 288 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9781405178143
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

Review
“The contributors to Battlestar Galactica and Philosophy strive to make things relevant to fans of the show, and they put their information ou t in a way that is accessible to folks who wouldn't know Heidegger from Heineken.” (Green Man Review, Spring 2009)

"Blackwell’s Philosophy and PopCulture series sets itself the remarkable task of making phi­losophy "relevant," lamenting the subject’s ongoing "public relations problem" and resolving to change things for the better. …[I]f this volume is indicative of the series as a whole then I will happily review each and every one, for I found it to be, by and large, a stimulating and worthwhile read… Philosophy, it seems, is no longer under the guardianship of office-bound professors fluent in Latin but ignorant of popular culture. Jason T. Eberl’s "ragtag fleet" of contributors has helped in some small way to redress the balance, and I for one applaud their efforts." (Claire Graham, Kaleidoscope, October 2008)

"The essays are … quite good, and to me they seem to satisfactorily serve the purpose of introducing fans of BSG to classic and contemporary philosophical problems and questions, and even professional philosophers might learn a thing or two. The essays in the anthology are both accessible and quite easy to read, and can be commended to those interested in philosophy and Battlestar Galactica." (Metapsychology, October 2008)

"The writers are well versed in their subjects … .The book is most effective at making the reader rethink what they thought they knew." (Neo-opsis)

Review
"This intriguing volume is the first of its kind to explore Battlestar Galactica, from Cyclons to Starbuck, with great breadth and depth. Assembling a stellar fleet of terrestrial talent, Battlestar Galactica and Philosophy is indispensable to both fans and those who want to explore philosophical and theological issues in an entertaining way." 
–Judith Barad, author of The Ethics of Star Trek, Indiana State University

From the Back Cover
What’s the point of living after your world has been destroyed? This is one of many questions raised by the Sci-Fi Channel’s critically acclaimed series Battlestar Galactica. More than just an action-packed “space opera,” each episode offers a dramatic character study of the human survivors and their Cylon pursuers as they confront existential, moral, metaphysical, theological, and political crises.

This volume addresses some of the key questions to which the Colonials won’t find easy answers, even when they reach Earth: Are Cylons persons? Is Baltar’s scientific worldview superior to Six’s religious faith? Can Starbuck be free if she has a special destiny? Is it ethical to cut one’s losses and leave people behind? Is collaboration with the enemy ever the right move? Is humanity a “flawed creation”? Should we share the Cylon goal of “transhumanism”? Is it really a big deal that Starbuck’s a woman?

Customer Reviews

Another Great Entry in the Series
I am not sure Bill Irwin knew what sort of success he would have when he first proposed the idea of exploring pop culture from a philosophical background, but he seems to have tapped into something that is at once approachable and thought provoking.

I have only seen one or two episodes of the current Battlestar Galactica series, but that did not stop me from looking at the topics that are covered in this book.

Like the Matrix series and the Star Wars and Philosophy book, this one looks at what it means to be not only human, but alive, tackling such topics as happiness (Aristotle's Ethics and Rhetoric), the Needs of the Many and the Few, Death, Desire, Machiavellian-isms and other meaty topics that are played out every day in the real world as well as on screen. There are even subtle hints and discussions about the design of life (especially given the Cylon presence).

A great read so far and very thought provoking. I finish an essay and reach for my copy of Aristotle to read more (or the Matrix or Star Wars book in the Open Court Series to find similar articles and see if the same conclusions are drawn).

The book is well written and very readable for those without a philosophical background, but for those with one, the possibilities are endless.

Fascinating read and examination of themes in BSG
This book will be pretty much meaningless if you are not a fan of the show. It explores the philosophical ideas raised by the show, such as what it means to be human, gender roles, Darwinian survival, religion, etc. This is largely what kept me in the show originally, was the bigger issues raised by the show and how the characters responded to them.

There is a whole line of these books, covering Seinfeld, the Simpsons, the Matrix, Star Trek, etc. The only one I have ever bought is Seinfeld, but I really couldn't get into it. Highly recommended for fans of the show.