Whats Good on TV?: Understanding Ethics Through Television

Are the actions of TV′s Jack Bauer morally justified? What can a mob hit sanctioned by Tony Soprano possibly teach us about ethical behavior? And what makes Captain Jean–Luc Picard such an ideal moral figure, anyway? It should come as no surprise that some of the most abstract philosophical ideas are often easier absorbed with examples drawn from popular culture. What′s Good on TV? Understanding Ethics Through Television presents an introduction to the basic theories and concepts of moral philosophy using concrete examples from classic and contemporary television shows. Topics from metaethics, normative ethics, and applied ethics are addressed – alongside explanations of classic and contemporary arguments – and considered through the eyes of characters as varied as Phoebe Buffay, Dr Gregory House, and cast members of Family Guy . Enlightening and informative, yet far more enjoyable than standard texts, What′s Good on TV? is an introduction to some of the more imponderable philosophical ideas inherent in modern ethics.

Preface. The Pilot Episode: Ethics and Popular Culture. Series I. Is anything “good” on television? The Nature of Moral Value. Episode 1: Truth and Nihilism in Ethics. Episode 2: Normativity—Social, Legal, and Moral. Episode 3: God and Ethics. Series II. What’s right and wrong? Ethical Theory. Episode 4: Relativism. Episode 5: Deontology. Episode 6: Consequentialism. Episode 7: Virtue Ethics. Series III. But what’s right when…? Practical Ethics. Episode 8: Environmental Ethics. Episode 9: Animal Welfare. Episode 10: Abortion. Episode 11: Homosexuality. Episode 12: Punishment and Capital Punishment. Episode 13: Assisted Suicide . The Epilogue: Does TV Erode Our Values?

Jamie Carlin Watson is Assistant Professor of Philosophy and Chair of the Department of Religion and Philosophy at Young Harris College, Young Harris, Georgia. He has published in the fields of philosophy of science and popular culture and philosophy. His current research is in the epistemology of a priori justification. Robert Arp taught aspects of philosophy at several colleges and universities, including Southwest Minnesota State University, Florida State University, and Saint Louis University. He has published works in many philosophical areas, including philosophy of biology, philosophy of mind, and popular culture and philosophy.

“In short, this is an excellent book: pleasant and easy to read while imparting essential philosophical Knowledge.”  ( Times Higher Education Supplement , 24 May 2012)