Indiana Jones and Philosophy: Why Did it Have to be Socrates?

by Dean A. Kowalski (Editor)

INDIANA JONES AND PHILOSOPHY

What does it mean to choose wisely?
Can heroes seek fortune and glory?
Why does Indy take a leap of faith?
Do Indy’s adventures provide him evidence of the supernatural?
Should we hide the Ark of the Covenant in a military-controlled warehouse?
Why are museums so important to archaeology?

If adventure has a name, it must be Indiana Jones! He’s both a mild-mannered archaeology professor and an intrepid adventurer traversing the globe in search of lost artifacts. Whether seeking the Ark of the Covenant in Egypt, the Sankara Stones in India, the Holy Grail in Turkey, or a mysterious crystal skull in Peru, Indy’s adventures never fail to delight audiences.

Indiana Jones and Philosophy takes you on a whirlwind journey to investigate some of the most enduring questions about the human condition. You’ll read about how Indy has wronged Marion Ravenwood, how a virtuous person would make amends, the strides Indy makes to repair his relationship with his father, why Indy distinguishes fact from truth when he pursues archaeological treasures, and much more. With trusty guides such as Aristotle, Camus, Kant, and Nietzsche at your side, you’ll consider possible answers to these questions and see Indiana Jones in a whole new light!

Comprehensive, immersive, and engaging, Indiana Jones and Philosophy offers you an accessible and lively opportunity to dive deeper into the world of Indiana Jones and appreciate the character’s greatness anew!

Genres: Philosophy

272 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 21, 2023

Reviews

[Suay Erkusoz · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thoroughly enjoyable read for Indiana Jones fans who are at least slightly interested in the philosophical musings our beloved hero with the bullwhip has inspired in us. I especially enjoyed the chapters with an existentialist touch (Chapters 6-9). Those chapters are great examples to show how life itself, including popular culture, is imbued with questions we philosophize about. However, I found chapters written by archaeologists a bit lackluster. It was an opportunity missed, especially considering how archaeologists are obsessed with time (in addition to facts, and also truths - sorry Indy!). As an archaeologist, I do not need to be told archaeology doesn't work that way, D'uh! but I also understand the target audience for the book might need reminding of that.
Overall great read. Highly recommend!

[aj! · Rating 4 out of 5]

collections like these are usually a mixed bag, but this was a highly enjoyable mixed bag