Thinking on Screen: Film as Philosophy is an accessible and thought-provoking examination of the way films raise and explore complex philosophical ideas. Written in a clear and engaging style, Thomas Wartenberg examines films’ ability to discuss, and even criticize ideas that have intrigued and puzzled philosophers over the centuries such as the nature of personhood, the basis of morality, and epistemological skepticism.
Beginning with a demonstration of how specific forms of philosophical discourse are presented cinematically, Wartenberg moves on to offer a systematic account of the ways in which specific films undertake the task of philosophy. Focusing on the films The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, Modern Times, The Matrix, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, The Third Man, The Flicker, and Empire, Wartenberg shows how these films express meaningful and pertinent philosophical ideas.
This book is essential reading for students of philosophy with an interest in film, aesthetics, and film theory. It will also be of interest to film enthusiasts intrigued by the philosophical implications of film.
By:
Thomas E. Wartenberg (Mount Holyoke College USA)
Imprint: Routledge
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions:
Height: 234mm,
Width: 156mm,
Spine: 10mm
Weight: 279g
ISBN: 9780415774314
ISBN 10: 0415774314
Publication Date: 30 October 2007
Audience:
College/higher education
,
Primary
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active
List of figures, Preface, 1. Can philosophy be screened?, 2. Are there limits to film’s philosophical capabilities?, 3. Illustrating a philosophical theory: Modern Times, 4. A skeptical thought experiment: The Matrix, 5. Arguing against utilitarianism: Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, 6. Moral intelligence and the limits of loyalty: The Third Man, 7. Foregrounding the background: Empire and The Flicker, 8. The nature of cinematic philosophy, Notes, Bibliography, Index
Reviews for Thinking on Screen: Film as Philosophy
'This book is a powerful defense of the view that films can philosophize. Characterized by its clear and lively presentation, and by its intertwining of philosophical argument with detailed discussion of several important films, it will be of interest not just to those studying philosophy and film but to everyone who believes in the importance of film to our cognitive life.' - Berys Gaut, University of St Andrews, UK
