Wonder Woman and Philosophy: The Amazonian Mystique

Sexy woman and superhero, fully empowered human and at times even a god, Wonder Woman is as appealing as she is ambiguous. From her origins as feminist propaganda at the height of World War II to the first female lead in the blockbuster DC movie franchise, she is a reflection of, and challenge to, our norms, our values, our society. She exemplifies our ideals, while posing serious challenges to the place of those ideals in modern society.

The first book dedicated to the philosophical questions raised by this complex and enduringly iconic figure, Wonder Woman and Philosophy: The Amazonian Mystique brings together philosophers and scholars to uncover fascinating aspects of our favourite Amazonian princess and deep philosophical insights about ourselves.

Topics explored include origin stories and identity, propaganda and art, altruism and the ethics of care, Amazonians as transhumanists, eroticism and graphic novels, the crafting of a heroine, domination, relationships, the ethics of killing and torture, and many more.

Timely and provocative, Wonder Woman and Philosophy offers wonder–filled insights into the myriad philosophical issues surrounding the most popular female superhero of all time.

Jacob M. Held is Associate Professor of Philosophy in the Department of Philosophy and Religion, and Director of the UCA Core at the University of Central Arkansas. He is editor of Stephen King and Philosophy (2016), Roald Dahl and Philosophy: A Little Nonsense Now and Then (2014), Dr. Seuss and Philosophy: Oh, the Thinks you can Think! (2011) and co–editor of The Philosophy of Pornography: Contemporary Perspectives (2014), Terry Pratchett and Philosophy (2014), and James Bond and Philosophy (2006).