Cowboy Metaphysics

by Peter A. French

For many of us, the image of the cowboy hero facing off against the villain dominates our memories of the movies. Peter French examines the world of the western, one in which death is annihilation, the culmination of life, and there is nothing else. In that world he finds alternatives to Judeo-Christian traditions that dominate our ethical theories, alternatives that also attack the views of the most prominent ethicists of the past three centuries. More than just a meditation on the portrayal of the good, the bad, and the ugly on the big screen, French's work identifies an attitude toward life that he claims is one of the most distinctive and enduring elements of American culture.

Genres: Philosophy

188 pages, Paperback

First published October 23, 1997

Reviews

[Shawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Doing Pop Culture and Philosophy before it was cool, French delivers a philosophic analysis of the Western and the underlying moralities that set the theme for the Western. I particularly liked the contrast between the morality of the Western hero and Christian morality. I had never thought of the contrast in this context, but now it makes sense. I look forward to seeing my favorite Westerns in this new light. Highly recommend it to any one who is a fan of Westerns.