Transformers and Philosophy - (Popular Culture and Philosophy) by John R Shook & Liz Stillwaggon Swan (Paperback)

About the Book

"Transformers" began with toys and a cartoon series in 1984 and has since grown to include comic books, movies, and video games -- its science fiction story has reached an audience with a wide range second only to that of "Star Wars." Here, in "Transformers and Philosophy, " a dream team of philosophers pursues the fascinating questions posed by humankind's encounter with an artificially intelligent mechanical civilization: Is genuine artificial intelligence possible? Would a robotic civilization come with its own morality and artistic life, and would it find a need for romantic love? Should we be more careful about developing robots that may eventually develop ideas of their own? "Transformers and Philosophy" puts "Transformers" under a microscope and exposes its philosophical implications in an instantly readable way.

Book Synopsis

Transformers began with toys and a cartoon series in 1984 and has since grown to include comic books, movies, and video games -- its science fiction story has reached an audience with a wide range second only to that of Star Wars. Here, in Transformers and Philosophy, a dream team of philosophers pursues the fascinating questions posed by humankind's encounter with an artificially intelligent mechanical civilization: Is genuine artificial intelligence possible? Would a robotic civilization come with its own morality and artistic life, and would it find a need for romantic love? Should we be more careful about developing robots that may eventually develop ideas of their own? Transformers and Philosophy puts Transformers under a microscope and exposes its philosophical implications in an instantly readable way.