True Detective and Philosophy - (Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture) by William Irwin & Jacob Graham & Tom Sparrow (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Investigating the trail of philosophical leads in HBO's chilling True Detective series, an elite team of philosophers examine far-reaching riddles including human pessimism, Rust's anti-natalism, the problem of evil, and the 'flat circle'.

• The first book dedicated to exploring the far-reaching philosophical questions behind the darkly complex and Emmy-nominated HBO True Detective series
• Explores in a fun but insightful way the rich philosophical and existential experiences that arise from this gripping show
• Gives new perspectives on the characters in the series, its storylines, and its themes by investigating core questions such as: Why Life Rather Than Death? Cosmic Horror and Hopeful Pessimism, the Illusion of Self, Noir, Tragedy, Philosopher-Detectives, and much, much more
• Draws together an elite team of philosophers to shine new light on why this genre-expanding show has inspired such a fervently questioning fan-base

From the Back Cover

Does the world need bad men?

Does Rust really know who he is?

Is the light winning?

And why life rather than death?

As arguably one of the most existential flagship series in modern times, True Detective's spine-chilling storylines have attracted a fervently questioning fan-base, alongside significant online coverage and fan sites, inspiring substantial philosophical debate from both fans and serious philosophers alike. True Detective and Philosophy delves into the many existential and ethical questions that arise in this darkly complex, character-driven series.

Investigating the deep philosophical issues behind the show's characters and engrossing narratives, these eighteen original essays explore questions that include: Why Life Rather Than Death? Cosmic Horror and Hopeful Pessimism, the Illusion of Self, Noir, Tragedy, Philosopher-Detectives, and more.

Essential reading for fans and philosophers, the stimulating chapters in True Detective and Philosophy accessibly explore the deeper meanings behind this genre-expanding crime show.

About the Author

Jacob Graham is Assistant Professor of Philosophy at Bridgewater College in Bridgewater, Virginia. His research focuses on ancient and modern philosophy, as well the value of philosophy in popular culture.

Tom Sparrow is Assistant Professor of Philosophy at Slippery Rock University, Pennsylvania. His primary research is in continental philosophy and phenomenology. His recent publications include Plastic Bodies (2015) and The End of Phenomenology (2014).

William Irwin (series editor) is Herve A. LeBlanc Distinguished Service Professor and Chair of Philosophy at King's College in Pennsylvania. Irwin originated the philosophy and popular culture genre of books with Seinfeld and Philosophy in 1999 and is the General Editor of The Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture series. He has overseen recent titles including The Ultimate Star Wars and Philosophy, Wonder Woman and Philosophy, and Alien and Philosophy.