American Horror Story and Philosophy: Life Is but a Nightmare by Richard Greene

The Nile on eBay   American Horror Story and Philosophy by Richard Greene, Rachel Robison-Greene

Deep thinkers plumb the chilling depths of American horror

FORMATPaperback LANGUAGEEnglish CONDITIONBrand New Publisher Description

In American Horror Story and Philosophy, philosophers with varying backgrounds and interests explore different aspects of this popular "erotic thriller" TV show, with its enthusiastic cult following and strong critical approval. The result is a collection of intriguing and provocative thoughts on deeper questions prompted by the creepy side of the human imagination.As an "anthology show," American Horror Story has a unique structure in the horror genre because it explores distinct subgenres of horror in each season. As a result, each season raises its own set of philosophical issues. The show's first season, Murder House, is a traditional haunted house story. Philosophical topics expounded here include: the moral issues pertaining to featuring a mass murderer as one of the season's main protagonists; the problem of other minds-when I see an old hag, how can I know that you don't see a sexy maid? And whether it is rationally justified to fear the Piggy Man.Season Two, Asylum, takes place inside a mid-twentieth-century mental hospital. Among other classic horror subgenres, this season includes story lines featuring demonic possession and space aliens. Chapters inspired by this season include such topics as: the ethics of investigative reporting and whistleblowing; personal identity and demonic possession; philosophical problems arising from eugenics; and the ethics and efficacy of torture.Season Three, Coven, focuses on witchcraft in the contemporary world. Chapters motivated by this season include: sisterhood and feminism as starkly demonstrated in a coven; the metaphysics of traditional voodoo zombies (in contrast to the currently fashionable "infected" zombies); the uses of violent revenge; and the metaphysics of reanimation.Season Four, Freak Show, takes place in a circus. Philosophical writers look at life under the Big Top as an example of "life imitating art"; several puzzles about personal identity and identity politics (crystallized in the two-headed girl, the bearded lady, and the lobster boy); the ethical question of honor and virtue among thieves; as well as several topics in social and political philosophy.Season Five, Hotel, is, among other disturbing material, about vampires. Chapters inspired by this season include: the ethics of creating vampire progeny; LGBT-related philosophical issues; and existentialism as it applies to serial killers,Season Six, Roanoke, often considered the most creative of the seasons so far, partly because of its employment of the style of documentaries with dramatic re-enactments, and its mimicry of The Blair Witch Project and Paranormal Activity. Among the philosophical themes explored here are what happens to moral obligations under the Blood Moon; the proper role of truth in storytelling; and the defensibility of cultural imperialism.

Author Biography

Richard Greene is Professor Philosophy at Weber State University. He is the co-editor of The Princess Bride and Philosophy: Inconceivable! and also of Orphan Black and Philosophy: Grand Theft DNA. Rachel Robison-Greene is the co-editor of Orange Is the New Black and Philosophy: Last Exit from Litchfield and Girls and Philosophy: This Book Isn't a Metaphor for Anything.

Promotional

Targeted email campaign.Review copies to fan sites, magazines, and journals.Display at popular culture conferences and philosophy conferences.

Long Description

In American Horror Story and Philosophy , philosophers with varying backgrounds and interests explore different aspects of this popular "erotic thriller" TV show, with its enthusiastic cult following and strong critical approval. The result is a collection of intriguing and provocative thoughts on deeper questions prompted by the creepy side of the human imagination.As an "anthology show," American Horror Story has a unique structure in the horror genre because it explores distinct subgenres of horror in each season. As a result, each season raises its own set of philosophical issues. The show's first season, Murder House , is a traditional haunted house story. Philosophical topics expounded here include: the moral issues pertaining to featuring a mass murderer as one of the season's main protagonists; the problem of other minds--when I see an old hag, how can I know that you don't see a sexy maid? And whether it is rationally justified to fear the Piggy Man. Season Two, Asylum , takes place inside a mid-twentieth-century mental hospital. Among other classic horror subgenres, this season includes story lines featuring demonic possession and space aliens. Chapters inspired by this season include such topics as: the ethics of investigative reporting and whistleblowing; personal identity and demonic possession; philosophical problems arising from eugenics; and the ethics and efficacy of torture. Season Three, Coven , focuses on witchcraft in the contemporary world. Chapters motivated by this season include: sisterhood and feminism as starkly demonstrated in a coven; the metaphysics of traditional voodoo zombies (in contrast to the currently fashionable "infected" zombies); the uses of violent revenge; and the metaphysics of reanimation. Season Four, Freak Show , takes place in a circus. Philosophical writers look at life under the Big Top as an example of "life imitating art"; several puzzles about personal identity and identity politics (crystallized in the two-headed girl, the bearded lady, and the lobster boy); the ethical question of honor and virtue among thieves; as well as several topics in social and political philosophy. Season Five, Hotel , is, among other disturbing material, about vampires. Chapters inspired by this season include: the ethics of creating vampire progeny; LGBT-related philosophical issues; and existentialism as it applies to serial killers, Season Six, Roanoke , often considered the most creative of the seasons so far, partly because of its employment of the style of documentaries with dramatic re-enactments, and its mimicry of The Blair Witch Project and Paranormal Activity . Among the philosophical themes explored here are what happens to moral obligations under the Blood Moon; the proper role of truth in storytelling; and the defensibility of cultural imperialism.

Description for Sales People

American Horror Story has won fifty-nine awards, including two Golden Globe awards; six Dorian awards (Gay and Lesbian critics); four Emmy awards for acting; and eleven other Emmy awards. American Horror Story is renowned for its intense fan base. It ranks #69 on the Fandom 250 list (which encompasses everything that has a fan following, including sports teams, celebrities, and pastimes).

Details ISBN0812699726 Pages 256 Publisher Open Court Publishing Co ,U.S. Year 2017 ISBN-10 0812699726 ISBN-13 9780812699722 Format Paperback Imprint Open Court Publishing Co ,U.S. Place of Publication Chicago, IL Country of Publication United States Edited by Rachel Robison-Greene Series Popular Culture and Philosophy Author Rachel Robison-Greene Media Book Subtitle Life Is but a Nightmare DEWEY 791.4572 Affiliation University of Toronto Language English UK Release Date 2017-12-26 Publication Date 2017-12-26 NZ Release Date 2017-12-26 US Release Date 2017-12-26 Audience General AU Release Date 2018-01-01 Illustrations Illustrations We've got this

At The Nile, if you're looking for it, we've got it.With fast shipping, low prices, friendly service and well over a million items - you're bound to find what you want, at a price you'll love!

TheNile_Item_ID:149222612;