Boardwalk Empire and Philosophy: Bootleg This Book

Popular Culture and Philosophy #77

by Richard V. Greene (Editor), Rachel Robison (Editor)

From Machiavellian city officials to big-time mobsters, corrupt beat cops, and overzealous G-men, Boardwalk Empire is replete with philosophically compelling characters who find themselves in philosophically interesting situations. This book is directed at thoughtful fans of the show. Here, readers discover parallels between the events in Boardwalk Empire and contemporary political events. Twenty philosophers address issues in political philosophy, ethics, aesthetics, feminism, and metaphysics. Is Nucky Thomson a Machiavellian prince or a Nietzschean superman? Is Jimmy's resentment towards Nucky justified, given that Jimmy would never have come into existence had his parents not met? What can be said about the ethics of lying in the seedy world of bootlegging? Agent Van Alden’s unique religious attitudes bring a warped sense of morality to the Boardwalk universe. One chapter brings to light the moral character of Van Alden’s God. Other chapters explores the roles that storytelling, deception, and gender play in the show.

Genres: Philosophy, Nonfiction

288 pages, Paperback

First published September 10, 2013

About the author

Richard V. Greene is a Professor of Philosophy at Weber State University. He is involved with research in metaphysics, the history of modern philosophy, medical ethics, and philosophical topics related to pop culture. He is also the Executive Director of the Society for Skeptical Studies, a philosophical society formed to promote discussion and research on topics related to skepticism.

Reviews

[Gregg Voss · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m all about antisocial behavior, but what has always intrigued me is the WHY? Why is Nucky Thompson a Machiavelli figure, for example? This book meld two of my favorites - Boardwalk Empire and classical philosophy - into a fun, challenging read.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Took the show to another level!