The Big Bang Theory and Philosophy: Rock, Paper, Scissors, Aristotle, Locke: 44 (The Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture Series)

What would Aristotle make of Sheldon Cooper’s life?

Why would Thomas Hobbes applaud the roommate agreement?

Why would Immanuel Kant heap haughty derision upon weaving un-unravelable webs?

Is Sheldon’s “scientistic” approach to everyday life healthy or doomed to failure?

Is Wil Wheaton truly evil?

The answers to your most pressing questions about The Big Bang Theory and its goofy geniuses can be found inside The Big Bang Theory and Philosophy. Packed with irresistibly geek-worthy insights on your favorite characters, storylines, and ideas, this book examines important themes involving ethics and virtue, science, semiotics, religion, and the human condition. It brings the thinking of some of the world’s greatest philosophers to bear on key aspects of the show, from Aristotle and Plato to Nietzsche, Wittgenstein, Simone de Beauvoir, and others. You might find other philosophy books on science and cosmology, but only this one refers to Darth Vader Force-chokes, cloning Leonard Nimoy, and oompa-loompa-like engineers. Essential reading for every fan of The Big Bang Theory, this book explores whether comic book–wielding geeks can lead the good life, and whether they can know enough science to “tear the mask off nature and stare at the face of God.” Bazinga!

What would Aristotle make of Sheldon Cooper’s life?

Why would Thomas Hobbes applaud the roommate agreement?

Why would Immanuel Kant heap haughty derision upon weaving un-unravelable webs?

Is Sheldon’s “scientistic” approach to everyday life healthy or doomed to failure?

Is Wil Wheaton truly evil?

The answers to your most pressing questions about The Big Bang Theory and its goofy geniuses can be found inside The Big Bang Theory and Philosophy. Packed with irresistibly geek-worthy insights on your favorite characters, storylines, and ideas, this book examines important themes involving ethics and virtue, science, semiotics, religion, and the human condition. It brings the thinking of some of the world’s greatest philosophers to bear on key aspects of the show, from Aristotle and Plato to Nietzsche, Wittgenstein, Simone de Beauvoir, and others. You might find other philosophy books on science and cosmology, but only this one refers to Darth Vader Force-chokes, cloning Leonard Nimoy, and oompa-loompa-like engineers. Essential reading for every fan of The Big Bang Theory, this book explores whether comic book wielding geeks can lead the good life, and whether they can know enough science to “tear the mask off nature and stare at the face of God.” Bazinga!

Dean A. Kowalski is an associate professor of philosophy at University of Wisconsin-Waukesha and the author of five books, most recently Moral Theory at the Movies and The Philosophy of Joss Whedon.

William Irwin is a professor of philosophy at King’s College, in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. He originated the philosophy and popular culture genre of books as coeditor of the bestselling The Simpsons and Philosophy and has overseen recent titles including House and Philosophy, Batman and Philosophy, and Inception and Philosophy.