1
of
1
Joker and Philosophy
Why So Serious?
Brief Description
A philosophical exploration of Joker and the meaning of the iconic antagonist's murderous escapades A diabolically sinister but clownish villain, Joker is a symbolically rich and philosophically fascinating character. Both crazed and cunning, sadistically cruel but seductively charming, the Clown Prince of Crime embodies everything opposed...
Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$4199
Unit price
/
Unavailable
AVAILABLE WITH SUPPLIER
Ships from our Auckland warehouse within 3-4 weeks
Found a better price? Request a price match
Joker and Philosophy
$4199
Unit price
/
Unavailable
Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and
still learning, it may not be perfect - your
feedback is welcome!
Description
A philosophical exploration of Joker and the meaning of the iconic antagonist's murderous escapades
A diabolically sinister but clownish villain, Joker is a symbolically rich and philosophically fascinating character. Both crazed and cunning, sadistically cruel but seductively charming, the Clown Prince of Crime embodies everything opposed to the positive ideals of order and justice defended by Batman. With his enigmatic motivations, infectious irreverence, and selfless devotion to evil, Joker never fails to provoke a host of philosophical questions.
Joker and Philosophy plumbs the existential depths of the most popular of Gotham City's gallery of villains with an abundance of style, wit, and intelligence. Bringing together essays by a diverse panel of acclaimed scholars and philosophers, this engaging, highly readable book delves into the motivations, psychology, and moral philosophy of the character for whom mayhem and chaos are a source of pure delight. Easily accessible yet philosophically substantial chapters address the comics, animated movies, television shows, video games, and live-action films, including memorable portrayals by Heath Ledger in Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight and Joaquin Phoenix in Todd Phillips' Joker and its upcoming sequel Joker: Folie à Deux.
Joker and Philosophy offers deep insights into moral and philosophical questions such as:
- What is a sane response to a mad world?
- Can laughter be liberating?
- Is civilization a thin veneer over our natural lawlessness?
- Can violence ever be justified in response to an unjust social order?
- Is one bad day really all it takes to create a villain?
Exploring a broad range of timeless issues of human nature, the metaphysics of freedom, the nature of identity, good and evil, political and social philosophy, aesthetics, and much more, Joker and Philosophy: Why So Serious? is a must-read for all fans of one of the most fascinating villains in the DC comics universe.
Series: The Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture Series
View all-
Avatar: The Last Airbender and Philosophy
Would our world be a better place if some of us were benders? Can Katara repair the world through care? Is Toph a disability pride icon? What does it mean for Zuko to be bad at being good? Can we tell whether Uncle Iroh is a fool or a sage? The world is out of sorts. The four nations, Water,...Paperback$4199Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
Dune and Philosophy
Explore the universe of Frank Herbert’s Dune in all its philosophical richness “He who controls the spice controls the universe.” Frank Herbert’s Dune saga is the epic story of Paul, son of Duke Leto Atreides, and heir to the massive fortune promised by the desert planet Arrakis and its vast reservoirs of a drug called "spice." To control the spice,...Paperback$4199Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 3-4 weeks -
House and Philosophy
In a world where moral complexity and intellectual brilliance collide, House and Philosophy delves into the enigmatic universe of Dr. Gregory House, the brilliant yet abrasive physician whose unconventional approach simultaneously unnerves and captivates. Amidst the bustling hallways of Princeton-Plainsboro Teaching Hospital, House and his team tackle medical mysteries that defy standard diagnosis, probing deeper into the complexities of human...Paperback$4500Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
Star Wars and Philosophy Strikes Back
Should droids be free? Should clone troopers? What political and ethical ideas ground resistance and rebellion? What’s wrong with the way women are portrayed in Star Wars? Does Han Solo have a philosophical worldview? Was Galen Erso responsible for the destruction of Alderaan? Should you eat Baby Yoda? “This is the Way.” In Star Wars and Philosophy Strikes Back, the...Paperback$4199Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 3-4 weeks -
Ted Lasso and Philosophy
An accessible and engaging journey through the philosophical themes and concepts of Ted Lasso Ted Lasso and Philosophy explores the hidden depths beneath the vibrant veneer of AppleTV's breakout, award-winning sitcom. Blending philosophical sophistication with winsome appreciation of this feel-good comedy, the collection features 20 original essays canvassing the breadth of the series and carefully considering the ideas it presents,...Paperback$4199Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 3-4 weeks -
The Legend of Zelda and Philosophy
Unlock the Secrets of Hyrule with the Power of Philosophy A groundbreaking and critically acclaimed masterpiece, The Legend of Zelda was released in Japan in 1986. That first entry spawned one of the greatest series in gaming history, leading up to Echoes of Wisdom in 2024. Link's quest to vanquish evil, unite the Triforce, and restore peace to Hyrule is...Paperback$4199Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 3-4 weeks -
Avatar and Philosophy
James Cameron’s critically acclaimed movie Avatar was nominated for nine Academy Awards and received countless accolades for its breath-taking visuals and use of 3D technology. But beyond its cinematic splendour, can Avatar also offer us insights into business ethics, empathy, disability, and the relationship between mind and body? Can getting to know the Na’vi, an alien species, enlarge our vision...Paperback$3599Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 3-4 weeks -
Alice in Wonderland and Philosophy
The perfect companion to Lewis Carroll's classic book and director Tim Burton's remake of Alice in Wonderland releasing in March 2010. Alice's Adventures in Wonderland is treasured by people of all ages who have followed young Alice on her trip down a rabbit hole and into a fantasy world filled with strange and whimsical characters. At first glance, the plot...Paperback$3799Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 3-4 weeks -
Black Mirror and Philosophy
A philosophical look at the twisted, high-tech near-future of the sci-fi anthology series Black Mirror, offering a glimpse of the darkest reflections of the human condition in digital technology. Black Mirror—the Emmy-winning Netflix series that holds up a dark, digital mirror of speculative technologies to modern society—shows us a high-tech world where it is all too easy to fall victim...Paperback$4599Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 3-4 weeks -
Disney and Philosophy
Take a magic carpet ride through Disney’s wonderful world of films and entertainment experiences, and discover the wisdom within its most popular and enduring stories. Philosophy begins in wonder, and there’s no question that Disney’s immersive worlds and iconic characters have enchanted generations of children and adults alike, inviting us to escape the mundane into a world of fantasy, imagination,...Paperback$3299Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 3-4 weeks -
Black Panther and Philosophy
Explore the fascinating historical and contemporary philosophical issues that arise in Black Panther In Black Panther and Philosophy: What Can Wakanda Offer The World, a diverse panel of experts delivers incisive critical reflections on the Oscar-winning 2018 film, Black Panther, and the comic book mythology that preceded it. The collection explores historical and contemporary issues—including colonialism, slavery, the Black Lives...Paperback$6000Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 2-3 weeks -
BioShock and Philosophy
Considered a sign of the coming of age of video games as an artistic medium, the award-winning BioShock franchise covers vast philosophical ground. BioShock and Philosophy: Irrational Game, Rational Book presents expert reflections by philosophers (and BioShock connoisseurs) on this critically acclaimed and immersive fan-favourite. BioShock and Philosophy reveals the philosophical questions raised through the artistic complexity, compelling characters, and...Paperback$3599Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 3-4 weeks
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781394198474
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons Inc
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 07 October 2024
Country: United States
Imprint: Wiley-Blackwell
Contributors:
- Edited by Jason T. Eberl
- Edited by George A. Dunn
- Edited by Massimiliano L. Cappuccio
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 15.0mm
Width: 150.0mm
Height: 226.0mm
Weight: 295g
Pages: 256
About the Author
MASSIMILIANO L. CAPPUCCIO is a Senior Researcher in the School of Engineering & Technology of the University of New South Wales Canberra, Australia. He has contributed to several Pop Culture and Philosophy titles and edited a collection of essays on The Matrix.
GEORGE A. DUNN is a research fellow at the Institute for the Marxist Study of Religion in a New Era at Hangzhou City University, China, and a community associate at Indiana University Indianapolis. He is an editor of The Hunger Games and Philosophy and True Blood and Philosophy and has written chapters in books in the Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture series on Terminator, Iron Man, Battlestar Galactica, and Mad Men.
JASON T. EBERL is Professor of Health Care Ethics and Philosophy and Director of the Albert Gnaegi Center for Health Care Ethics, Saint Louis University, USA. He is the editor of Battlestar Galactica and Philosophy and co-editor of The Ultimate Star Wars and Philosophy, The Ultimate Star Trek and Philosophy, Sons of Anarchy and Philosophy, and The Philosophy of Christopher Nolan.
More from Philosophy & Psychology
View all-
New Release
Eat Your Ice Cream
The New York Times bestseller that presents a bold new vision for living well and ageing with purpose from a world-renowned health expert THE INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER From a leading doctor and world-renowned health expert, the simple, uplifting and practical guide to cutting through the wellness noise, living well and ageing with purpose. ‘Essential reading for anyone who...Paperback$3199Elsewhere:$4000Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
New ReleaseThe Winner's Formula
The Neuroscience of Peak Performance, Success, and Happiness Why do some people win all the time? Why do others languish? From Olympians to Formula 1 drivers, addicts to billionaires, cognitive neuroscientist Dr Kerry Spackman has spent decades working to help people understand how to succeed. In The Winner's Formula, Kerry explains what goes on in your brain when you are...Paperback$3199Elsewhere:$3999Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
Man's Search For Meaning
Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl is a profound, thought-provoking memoir and psychological exploration that delves into the harrowing experiences of life in Nazi concentration camps, intertwined with the author’s groundbreaking theories on existential psychology. The book is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, offering a beacon of hope and a roadmap for finding purpose...Paperback$1800Elsewhere:$2100Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
New ReleaseInside the Box
How to do more with less and use limits to stimulate creativity, innovation and collaboration, from the Sunday Times bestselling author of Range. We live in a world that gives us seemingly infinite choices and values freedom above all else. We have an unprecedented number of options regarding what to do, who to be and how to spend our time....Paperback$3000Elsewhere:$3900Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
Atomic Habits
Atomic Habits by James Clear is a transformative guide that demonstrates how tiny, incremental changes in behaviour can fundamentally reshape your life. Rather than urging sweeping transformations, Clear advocates for the compound effect of hundreds of small decisions. Whether it’s performing two push-ups a day, waking up five minutes earlier, or making a brief, focused phone call, these minuscule adjustments,...Paperback$3199Elsewhere:$4000Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
The Body Keeps the Score
The Body Keeps the Score by Dr Bessel van der Kolk is a compelling and compassionate exploration of the deep-seated impact of trauma on the human body and mind. This groundbreaking work delves into the complex causes of trauma and paints a vivid picture of the revolutionary treatments that are enabling countless individuals to reclaim their lives filled with purpose...Paperback$2400Elsewhere:$3000Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
New Release
Tell Me Where It Hurts
Leading expert Rachel Zoffness bridges the gap between medicine and psychology to get to the heart of treating pain We can move the dial on pain Every one of us will experience pain, be it back pain, the pain of childbirth, or living in an ageing body. Not a single one of us will escape. But what if everything you...Hardback$6500Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
The Book of Awakening
A new edition of the #1 NYT's bestseller by Mark Nepo, who has been called "one of the finest spiritual guides of our time" and "a consummate storyteller." Immerse yourself in The Book of Awakening, a compelling spiritual daybook by philosopher-poet and cancer survivor, Mark Nepo. This remarkable work is a profound manual for living a more deeply connected and...Paperback$3999Elsewhere:$4499Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
Strangers
The must-read memoir of the end of a marriage and the start of a personal revolution, based on the iconic Modern Love essay in the New York Times and perfect for fans of Glennon Doyle. "A beautifully written eulogy for the loss of a relationship" — Joyce Carol Oates How do we go on when a loved one betrays us?...Paperback$3299Elsewhere:$4000Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
Strong Ground
#1 New York Times bestselling author Brené Brown returns with an urgent call to reimagine the essentials of courageous leadership. In a time when uncertainty runs deep and bluster, hubris and even cruelty are increasingly framed as acceptable leadership, Brown delivers practical, actionable insights that illuminate the mindsets and skill sets essential to reclaiming focus and driving growth through connection, discipline and...Hardback$4000Elsewhere:$5500Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
The Anxious Generation
A powerful argument for reclaiming childhood—and all human relationships—from the online world, from the influential social psychologist and international bestselling author. Jonathan Haidt has spent his career speaking truth and wisdom in some of the most difficult spaces—communities polarised by politics and religion, campuses battling culture wars, and now the mental health emergency hitting teenagers today in many countries around...Paperback$2299Elsewhere:$3000Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
The Stimulated Mind
A practical, empowering plan to boost your day-to-day brain function and prevent dementia - by a renowned neuroscientist and performance coach. 'From day one I was always blown away by Dr Tommy Wood's command of the science from which he communicates.' - Dr Peter Attia, bestselling author of Outlive- The Science and Art of Longevity 'As global health declines, Dr...Paperback$3800Elsewhere:$4500Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today
Why buy from us?
Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent 100% NZ-owned business on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!
Service & Delivery
Our warehouse in Auckland holds over 100,000 books, toys, board games and puzzles in-stock so you're not waiting for your order to arrive from overseas.
Auckland Bookstore
We're primarily an online store, but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our bookstore, which is right next door to our warehouse in Hobsonville.
Our Gifting Service
Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.
