24 and Philosophy: The World According to Jack

Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture #4

by Jennifer Hart Weed (Editor), Richard Brian Davis (Editor), Ronald Weed (Editor)

"24 and Philosophy" is a book you just can't do without. It's all here, folks: the reason Presidents trust him; how Jack cuts through the lies and ambiguities; why he puts his life on the line for others; and how he knows which knee cap to blow out to get that all-important next lead. With the help of twenty ""24" crazed" philosophers, you'll figure out what makes this guy tick, and much much more.
A witty, but philosophical exploration of the popular television series "24," now in its sixth season
Addresses pressing ethical issues relating to torture, terrorism and warfare
Raises fascinating questions about knowledge, loyalty, and suspicion
Explores in-depth the character and behaviour of Jack Bauer
Written by philosophers who are all serious fans of the show

Genres: Philosophy, Pop Culture, Nonfiction

224 pages, Paperback

First published November 19, 2007

Reviews

[Rula · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book really inspired me because it was all essays on 24 the series. i am a big fan of the TV series of 24 because i have a big crush on Kiefer Sutherland at the moment. i really loved the way that all the philosopher's really delved deep into all the research and i have learned quite a few new words like "oxymoron", "paradoxically" and mnay others, which i don't know how to pronounce. some parts of this book i found rather funny actually and other parts made me feel like i was listening to all that they were saying. one part i did love was that they looked back in the scenes and they made quite a few comparisons with how the character JACK BAUER would do in this kind of scenario. i also loved the way they remembered the quotes that were mentioned, like,"Shut up stupid, you just fired at a federal agent" or "If you lay a hand on me, you'll be taken off the case."

i found this book interesting, intriguing and a riveting read. it kept my attention a lot because i have loved reading this kind of book. i don't usually read anything to do with philosophy, but this really gripped me with interest, intrigue, and i was riveted. i really recommend this book to anyone in the philosophy world because i think people don't give enough credit to these philosophers and what they have to say. My Godfather, Bob Kirkwood would like this type of book to read if only he would watch the 24 series, so i hope he will.

[Robb Sutherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pop culture, philosophy and ethics, what's not to like? Is Jack Bauer Kantian or Utilitarian? What would Nietzsche make of the way characters are treated? These are some of the conversations I've had with my wife during 24 but now writ large with searchable references.

Great.

[Tristan Searle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book served as a great guide to the dense ideas of the innovative series designed to keep you on the edge of your seat. The average citizen might say Jack’s character is static or even tonedeaf, but as he would say, that’s just because “you haven’t seen the things I’ve seen. The things I’ve had to do.” After reading the material in these pages, you’re guaranteed to have a clearer understanding of true patriotism and the importance of rationalism in an increasingly convoluted, interconnected world. Important questions are debriefed and if not fully answered, always fully examined, like: Do the ends ever justify the means? Are our highest leaders really so different from every “terrorist” identified for us? And who can we really trust, if not ourselves? The foresights this book had on the impacts of technology on personal life and global peace are remarkable for being published in 2008; in particular the essay “How the Cell Phone Changed the World and Made 24” by Read Mercer Schuchardt is strikingly relevant.

[Matt Lohr · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun and thoughtful look at a classic contemporary TV series. Standout essays include Brandon Claycomb and Greig Mulberry's take on Jack Bauer as an "anti-Eichmann"; Read Mercer Schuchardt's perspective on the series as a chronicle of the cell phone's takeover of contemporary life; and Stephen de Wijze's look at the problem of "dirty hands" in the world of "24". Essential reading for any thoughtful hard-core fan, and engaging for anyone interested in popular philosophy.

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book comes from a philosophical perspective on the television show "24." It talks about topics such as torture techniques used to gain information and help save the greater good due to terrorism. It also talks about the character of Jack Bauer and how he uses some of these techniques to protect people he loves. All in all, a good thinking book about one of my favorite shows!