What's good on TV? understanding ethics through television

Author / Creator

Watson, Jamie Carlin

Available as

Online

Summary

'What's Good on TV?' presents an introduction to the basic theories and concepts of moral philosophy using concrete examples from classic and contemporary television shows. What's Good on TV? Under...

'What's Good on TV?' presents an introduction to the basic theories and concepts of moral philosophy using concrete examples from classic and contemporary television shows. 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. Utilizes clear examples from popular contemporary and classic television shows, such as The Office , Law and Order , Star Trek and Family Guy , to illustrate complex philosophical concepts Designed to be used as a stand-alone or supplementary introductory ethics text Features case studies, study questions, and suggested readings Episodes mentioned are from a wide variety of television shows, and are easily accessible Offers a balanced treatment of a number of controversial ethical issues including environmental ethics, animal welfare, abortion, homosexuality, capital punishment, assisted suicide, censorship and the erosion of values Includes a companion website at http://whatsgoodontv.webs.com 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.

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