Avatar and Philosophy: Learning to See

What is empathy and can the Na’vi tsaheylu help us to achieve it? How are mind, body, and personal identity related for an avatar–driver? Does it take an avatar to understand and value the culture of the Na’vi? What can we learn from the Na’vi about respecting the natural world? Can religious beliefs help to foster a concern for the environment? 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 environmental ethics, business ethics, empathy, disability, and the relationship between mind and body? Can getting to know the Na’vi, an alien species, enlarge our vision and help us to “see” both our world and ourselves in new ways? Written by an esteemed group of philosophers and fellow fans, the book explains philosophical concepts in a fun and accessible manner that will appeal to all levels of readers. It explores issues such as religion, morality, aesthetics, empathy, identity, the relationship of mind and body, environmental and business ethics, technology, and just war theory. It examines a wide range of topics from James Cameron’s blockbuster, including attitudes toward nature, our responsibilities to nonhuman species, colonialism, disability, and communitarian ethics. Full of philosophical insights for even the most knowledgeable film buff, this is an engaging look at one of the most thought–provoking and popular movies of recent years.

George A. Dunn is a Lecturer at the University of Indianapolis and the Ningbo Institute of Technology, Zhejiang University, China. A writer on pop culture and philosophy, Dunn is the editor of Veronica Mars and Philosophy (Wiley, 2014) and co–editor of Sons of Anarchy and Philosophy (Wiley, 2013), The Hunger Games and Philosophy (Wiley, 2012), and True Blood and Philosophy (Wiley, 2010). William Irwin (series editor) is Professor of Philosophy at King’s College. He originated the philosophy and popular culture genre of books as co–editor of the bestselling The Simpsons and Philosophy and has overseen titles including House and Philosophy, Batman and Philosophy , and South Park and Philosophy .