Watchmen and Philosophy: A Rorschach Test

by Mark D. White and William Irwin

Book Overview

Alan Moore's Watchmen is set in 1985 and chronicles the alternative history of the United States where the US edges dangerously closer to nuclear war with the Soviet Union. Within this world exists a group of crime busters, who don elaborate costumes to conceal their identity and fight crime, and an intricate plot to kill and discredit these "superheroes."

Alan Moore's Watchmen popularized the graphic novel format, has been named one of Time...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0470396857
• ISBN13: 9780470396858
• Release Date: February 2009
• Publisher: Wiley
• Length: 240 Pages
• Weight: 0.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.9" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

Watchman and Philosophy: AS Rorschach Test

A most thoght provoking analysis of the philosophicla implications of the The Watchman. For those not versed in philosophical perspectives and arguments, this is a great primer to a world of intriguing thoughts. Well worth the read.

Another excellent entry in the series

Batman and Philosophy was the first entry in this series I read, and it was excellent. As such, I was excited to get my hands on this entry - all the more so because Watchmen has so much potential to explore philosophical and moral/ethical issues already built into the story and characters. My hopes were high, and I have not been disappointed. Watchmen and Philosophy features clear, strong writing and the articles never feel too simplistic too difficult to follow, which makes it the ideal book to learn a bit about philosophy and ethics if you're rusty, or to easily reacquaint yourself with old philosopher friends if you're a philosophy geek like me. If you're interested in either topic, I highly recommend this book as an excellent, intellectually simulating summer read. Or winter read! Or anytime read, really.

intregal reading

a great counter part for the series, that being the modern philosphy and pop culture series. Much lighter than the Simpsons version and on par with Star Wars and the Matrix and philosophy.

Costumed heroes and the meaning behind the mask

Just in time for the motion picture adaptation of Alan Moore and Dave Gibbon's The Watchmen, the Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture series tackles one of the greatest graphic novels of all time in Watchmen and Philosophy: A Rorschach Test. The Watchmen deals with an alternate reality in which the world is on the brink of a nuclear war and a serial killer is out to rid the world of retired masked vigilantes and one atomically rearranged, real life superhero, Dr. Manhattan. Watchmen and Philosophy examines the motives and significance of each character in a series of witty essays with easy to follow character analysis in relation to the ideologies of philosophers such as Joseph Kant and Friedrich Nietzsche. We learn of Dr. Manhattan's function as a stoic sage; Sally and Laurie Jupiter present the views of different branches of the feminist theory; Nite Owl represents the virtues of Aristotle; and Rorschach's role as the unwavering enforcer of justice goes deeper than just an obsessive quest to right wrong. Watchmen and Philosophy presents insightful interpretations on the renowned story that will allow long time fans and first time readers a greater understanding of one of the most significant graphic novels in the world of comic books. Reviewed by Jennifer Carter

Want to talk about "Watchmen" in a small group? Grab this book to raise fascinating questions.

This cool new Wiley paperback explores lots of philosophical and spiritual questions related to the landmark comic book series and, in effect, the new film as well. If you're trying to discuss the movie in a small group, it's a good idea to grab a copy of this book. The themes of the original "Watchmen," which first was published decades ago, couldn't be more timely today. Among the major questions explored in the original comic books (and in this new Wiley companion volume) are themes about authority in our rapidly changing and deeply troubled world. Who should we regard as heroes? What standards should we require? If super-powerful figures claim the right to be called heroes, should we trust them? As people become extremely powerful in our world, can they betray us? Or, even worse in some cases, can they be so oblivious to the needs of their neighbors that they wind up causing great damage? Is it even possible to be a really super hero today? This cultural milestone is so complex that -- to crack open a discussion in a small group you're going to need some help. Between these covers, you'll find lots of intriguing pointers.