Heroes and Philosophy: Buy the Book, Save the World

Would the emergence of "heroes" save society or break it? Is it okay for the Company to lie, kidnap, and kill to secretly protect the public? Does Hiro really have a destiny? Do we? Is time travel actually possible? E very episode of Tim Kring′s hit TV show Heroes presents a philosophical quandary. When ordinary individuals from around the world inexplicably develop superhuman abilities, they question who they are, struggle to cope with new responsibilities, and decide whether to use their new powers for good or for evil. This book analyzes some of the many questions and issues that make the series so compelling. With the help of some of history′s heaviest–hitting philosophical "heroes" such as Plato and Nietzsche, you′ll explore everything from the role that memory plays in personal identity to whether the rise of superpowers could break down society. Whether you′re new to Heroes or have been a fan since the beginning, this book will take your enjoyment of the series to the next level.

Introduction: The Wonder of Heroes. PART ONE: HEROIC OBLIGATIONS. Chapter 1: Above the Social Contract? How Superheroes Break Society ( Robert Sharp ). Chapter 2: Heroes, Obligations, and The Ethics of Saving the World ( J.K. Miles ). Chapter 3: Corporate Capers: The Moral Dimensions of Working for The Company ( Christopher Robichaud ). Chapter 4: With Great Creativity Comes Great Imitation: Problems of Plagiarism and Knowledge ( Jason Southworth ). PART TWO: SUPERMEN, SAMURAI, AND INVISIBLE MEN. Chapter 5:Time and the Meaning of Life in Heroes and Nietzsche ( Tyler Shores ). Chapter 6: Hiro Nakamura, Bushido, and Hero–Archetypes ( Erik Daniel Baldwin ). Chapter 7: Plato on Gyges′ Ring of Invisibility: The Power of Heroes and the Value of Virtue ( Don Adams ). PART THREE: METAPHYSICS, REGULAR–PHYSICS, AND HEROIC TIME TRAVEL. Chapter 8: The Foreknowledge of a Painter, The Fate of a Hero ( David Kyle Johnson ). Chapter 9: Time to be a Hero: Branching Time and Changing the Future ( Morgan Luck ). Chapter 10: Heroes and the Ethics of Time Travel: Does the Present Matter ( David Faraci ). Chapter 11: The Physics of Heroes: Immortal Samurais, Flying Men, and Destroying the Space–Time Continuum ( Andrew Zimmerman Jones ). Chapter 12: Pseudoscience, Scientific Revolutions, and ( Chandra Suresh, David Kyle Johnson and Andrew Zimmerman Jones ). PART FOUR: THE MINDS OF HEROES. Chapter 13: Peter Petrelli, The Haitian and the Philosophical Implications of Memory Loss ( Peter Kirwan ). Chapter 14: Understanding Other Minds: Philosophical Foundations of Heroes Mindreading Powers ( Fabio Paglieri ). Chapter 15: Peter Petrelli: The Power of Empathy ( Andrew Terjesen ). PART FIVE: VILLAINS, FAMILY AND LYING. Chapter 16: Are the Heroes Really Good ( Peter S. Fosl )? Chapter 17: Heroes and Family Obligations ( Ruth Tallman and Jason Southworth ). Chapter 18: Concealment and Lying: Is this any way for a Hero to act ( Mike Berry )? Contributors: Our Heroes. Chandra Suresh’s List: a catalogue of powers, both natural and synthetic. Index: the power of omniscience (about this book).

David Kyle Johnson is an assistant professor of philosophy at King′s College in Wilkes–Barre, Pennsylvania. He has contributed to several books in the Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture series, including Family Guy and Philosophy and The Office and Philosophy . William Irwin is a professor of philosophy at King′s College. He originated the philosophy and popular culture genre of books as coeditor of the bestselling The Simpsons and Philosophy and has overseen recent titles, including Batman and Philosophy , House and Philosophy , and Watchmen and Philosophy .