Wiley-Blackwell Philosophy in The Twilight Zone

Utilizing a series of essays examining the broad philosophical concepts embedded in Rod Serling's series, The Twilight Zone, Philosophy in The Twilight Zone provides a platform for further philosophical discussion. Features essays by eminent contemporary philosophers concerning the over-arching themes in The Twilight Zone, as well as in-depth discussions of particular episodes Fuses popular cult entertainment with classical philosophical perspectives Acts as a guide to unearthing larger questions - from human nature to the nature of reality and beyond - posed in the series Includes substantial critical and biographical information on series creator Rob Serling Review "The anthology's substantial entries offer the reader rigorous, lucid, and stylistically polished arguments about one of the best dramas ever to grace American television screens. This collection is, to invoke Serling's memorable prose style, worthy of one's perusal, consideration, and review." (Journal of the Fantastic in the Arts, 21 March 2011) “It acts as a guide to unearthing larger questions—from human nature to the nature of reality and beyond—posed in the series.” (Gnist.no, June 2009) Review "If you've ever felt lost in The Twilight Zone, this book is for you. Then, again, when you read what these philosophers have to say you may want to stay!" –William Irwin, King's College "The Twilight Zone smuggled philosophy onto television in the form of a series of ingenious mind-teasers, seizing the audience's imagination. Now Noёl Carroll and Lester Hunt have put together a stimulating collection of papers that decipher the puzzles and explore the philosophical themes. The result is a rich and thoughtful re-appraisal of a rightly famous attempt to make drama out of philosophy. Rod Serling would be tickled and proud." –Colin McGinn, University of Miami From the Inside Flap Lauded by fans and critics alike, Rod Serling's groundbreaking The Twilight Zone series is one of pop culture's most enduring icons. By exploring the fantastical depths of the unknown, the 156 original episodes (1959–64) continue to hold viewers spellbound. While the stories embrace elements of the supernatural, they were also quite consciously intended to enlighten the public on a broad range of philosophical issues – often by violating conventions of classical narration (to say nothing of the laws of physics). Philosophy in The Twilight Zone delves deeply into the complex philosophical strands woven throughout the series – issues including skepticism, the ethics of war and peace, and the nature of privacy, personal dignity, knowledge, love, happiness, and justice. This collection of original essays by leading philosophical scholars focuses on particular episodes or examines broader philosophical themes raised in the series. An illuminating critical and biographical introduction to series creator and principle writer Rod Serling is also "submitted for your approval." Philosophy in The Twilight Zone is a thought-provoking journey into the philosophical landscape of a series that did indeed take us into a dimension not only of sight and sound – but of mind. From the Back Cover Lauded by fans and critics alike, Rod Serling's groundbreaking The Twilight Zone series is one of pop culture's most enduring icons. By exploring the fantastical depths of the unknown, the 156 original episodes (1959-64) continue to hold viewers spellbound. While the stories embrace elements of the supernatural, they were also quite consciously intended to enlighten the public on a broad range of philosophical issues - often by violating conventions of classical narration (to say nothing of the laws of physics). Philosophy in The Twilight Zone delves deeply into the complex philosophical strands woven throughout the series - issues including skepticism, the ethics of war and peace, and the nature of privacy, personal dignity, knowledge, love, happiness, and justice. This collecti