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BioShock and Philosophy: Irrational Game, Rational Book
Considered a sign of the ‘coming of age’ of video games as an artistic medium, the award-winning BioShock franchise covers vast philosophical ground. BioShock and Philosophy: Irrational Game, Rational Book presents expert reflections by philosophers (and Bioshock connoisseurs) on this critically acclaimed and immersive fan-favorite.
192 pages, Paperback
First published April 27, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
August 9, 2024
"Much of the storytelling in BioShock is spent explaining how and why things went wrong which is, as you know, a fascinating tale of unchecked ambition, betrayed trust, and hidden identities."
As a fan of the BioShock series, I thought it would be fun to give the audiobook a listen.
"A scientist hides in his laboratory, a poet retreats into the woods, and a writer resorts to cigarettes and alcohol."
It was quite interesting; although, some of the topics were already made obvious in the game(s). (For example: Elizabeth and feminism.) There were a few instances where I felt like certain connections were a bit of a stretch, but perhaps that was due to just not perceiving it that way when I played the game(s)? Either way, it still served as good food for thought.
And it definitely makes me want to play the games all over again.
For a book titled BioShock and Philosophy, there is a part of me that was disappointed with how one section included the System Shock series (which has never gained my interest) instead of including BioShock 2. The latter was not developed by Irrational Games, true, but it does offer more philosophies to raise questions and explore. I can't help but feel like opportunities were missed by leaving out BioShock 2 and its DLC.
Of course, there was also no mention of BioShock Infinite's DLC episodes, Burial at Sea. Perhaps the reason for its omission is because it was not out when these were written? If so, then that is completely understandable. I don't imagine there will be revision(s) down the road, but it was quite interesting to see how certain things were thrown out the window thanks to Burial at Sea.
Overall, I'm glad to have read this now. For a person who has little interest in philosophy, this was quite an enjoyable read.
"The scene with Rapture and then the overwhelming ocean of infinite lighthouses are there to show you that video games can tell great stories, and that by telling great stories they participate in the same tradition as other artistic media."
As a fan of the BioShock series, I thought it would be fun to give the audiobook a listen.
"A scientist hides in his laboratory, a poet retreats into the woods, and a writer resorts to cigarettes and alcohol."
It was quite interesting; although, some of the topics were already made obvious in the game(s). (For example: Elizabeth and feminism.) There were a few instances where I felt like certain connections were a bit of a stretch, but perhaps that was due to just not perceiving it that way when I played the game(s)? Either way, it still served as good food for thought.
For a book titled BioShock and Philosophy, there is a part of me that was disappointed with how one section included the System Shock series (which has never gained my interest) instead of including BioShock 2. The latter was not developed by Irrational Games, true, but it does offer more philosophies to raise questions and explore. I can't help but feel like opportunities were missed by leaving out BioShock 2 and its DLC.
Of course, there was also no mention of BioShock Infinite's DLC episodes, Burial at Sea. Perhaps the reason for its omission is because it was not out when these were written? If so, then that is completely understandable. I don't imagine there will be revision(s) down the road, but it was quite interesting to see how certain things were thrown out the window thanks to Burial at Sea.
Overall, I'm glad to have read this now. For a person who has little interest in philosophy, this was quite an enjoyable read.
"The scene with Rapture and then the overwhelming ocean of infinite lighthouses are there to show you that video games can tell great stories, and that by telling great stories they participate in the same tradition as other artistic media."
November 3, 2020
Das „K“ in „Videospiele“ steht für „Kunst“.
August 3, 2015
I don't really know how to describe this book.
Obviously I'm a fan of the Bioshock games, the gameplay, the stories, the twists and turns, the environment. It's unique, it's beautiful, and twisted.
This book goes through talking about the central story and themes of the games (mostly Bioshock 1 and Infinite, with only one sub-chapter on SystemShock). Those chapters are very interesting, making you think, and giving several different courses of thought instead of convincing you on their idea.
Everything is explained thoroughly for those not knowing of the concepts, and once those are introduced they go bigger and wider.
Only thing is, there were certain chapters that seemed to be reaching. They were well informed, amazing chapters with wonderful ideas. Except the portion they seem to grab the idea, kinda seems far fetched, and an excuse to talk on the subject at hand. In the long run, that's pretty good because it shows just how thoughtful the game can be for people of all philosophy.
Obviously I'm a fan of the Bioshock games, the gameplay, the stories, the twists and turns, the environment. It's unique, it's beautiful, and twisted.
This book goes through talking about the central story and themes of the games (mostly Bioshock 1 and Infinite, with only one sub-chapter on SystemShock). Those chapters are very interesting, making you think, and giving several different courses of thought instead of convincing you on their idea.
Everything is explained thoroughly for those not knowing of the concepts, and once those are introduced they go bigger and wider.
Only thing is, there were certain chapters that seemed to be reaching. They were well informed, amazing chapters with wonderful ideas. Except the portion they seem to grab the idea, kinda seems far fetched, and an excuse to talk on the subject at hand. In the long run, that's pretty good because it shows just how thoughtful the game can be for people of all philosophy.
October 4, 2022
Thoughts on
„Bioshock And Philosophy: Irrational Game, Rational Book” by William Irvin & Luke Cuddy (editor).
It is something of a bridge between crash course on how immersion works within video game medium, for those both familiar and not giving much thought to the implications of it.
It’s written in simple, digestible clear language.
Sometimes author felt need to highlight too much times, how one or another part of Bioshock games was ‘out-there’, ‘thought-provoking’ and intriguing. Which undoubtedly are sentiments that were and still are surrounding especially first entry to this day. As an important piece and landmark of sorts in FPS, interactive sim video-game. But more importantly a video-game that made the public reconsider video-games as art form and interactive experience touching upon philosophy. I agree with the above, even though I feel like with each next entry, some not so visible flaws of original emerged from the followed formula.
But Irvin sometimes word-wise sounds (probably unintentionally) like backing up his enthusiasm and credibility in saying serious stuff about a video-game, because it’s a video-game and it can be perceived as just flashy childish entertainment even when including bloody violence. Otherwise, some re-assuring of “it’s an important game”. Can stop a flow or stream of thought that Irvin can quite lure you into.
Partially it holds-up as pretty down-to-earth friendly chat and examination of video game mechanics, special elements of communication with a player in this peculiar medium, that feels like coming from real passion for the Bioshock games. It’s evenly trimmed down, not to gasp about the mechanics in broader scope and possibilities in video-games in general. But it focuses on how Bioshock games utilise the cinematic element of the cutscenes, the visual guidance of the players etc.
Yeah “Bioshock” made name for itself not only playing with philosophy- working as critique of Ayn Rand’s objectivism, but also in a final moments and iconic plot/gameplay twist, pulling out the curtain of the video game experiences. Video games as invisible guidance walk, with elements, mean to evoke this and that and to have a conclusion. “Bioshock” not exactly re-engineers structure of a video game. Taking many more simplified, accessible models of immersive sim elements from the System Shock series, made by the same studio. But it opened up a door for video-game players (both those really into it, and occasional ones) into reconsidering something about narratives, about the strings within this game experiences. Also looking at a consistently crafted plot twist, that holds-up when revisiting “Bioshock” with full-knowledge of context, themes and of course famous reveal in a finale.
That’s really worth something and made an impact on the video-game industry, pointing that there’s a needed space for moving, kinetic stories taking advantage of the constructed virtual-worlds to talk about larger things outside of video-game easy fun.
The surprise for me with this book was that each chapter written by different author feels like put together essay, a perspective on Bioshock. So the book lacks bigger thematic conclusion or string holding it together other than “it’s Bioshock! Let’s talk about effects it can have on players and how it uses its mechanics, themes etc.”
But this approach also makes it light read. Not knowing what will pop-up in following chapter.
There are appreciated citations and references to some philosophy and cognitive science when discussing video-game and its effects on a player, but also just the narrative of “Bioshock”.
For those not familiar with Ayn Rand works that “Bioshock” inspired, book gives pretty quick, digestible crash course on her ideas and how they relate to “Bioshock”.
Like how main game producer and writer- Ken Levine basically made the game’s beginning as a follow-up to “Atlas Shrugged” ambiguous ending. It also has some interview citations from Levine himself when arguing and describing the games in certain chapters. Which is a good way to argue about things, but also keep original driven ideas of creators in mind.
My fav chapters where: 7th one “Bioshock as Plato’s Cave” by Roger Travis. Which was actually a piece that made me stop a bit and reconsider things and comparisons made by Travis. In a positive way. Not as gibberish but as a way of trying to say something new on the well-known “Plato’s Cave allegory” with usage of “Bioshock” original game as an example and subject to analysis.
Cool, rethinking philosophy through a video game and systems of control tied to the interactive program.
14th “Have You Ever Been to Rapture?
Bioshock as an Introduction to Phenomenology”
Stefan Schevelier
&
16th “Vending Machine Values.
Buying Beauty and Morality in Bioshock”
Michael J. Muniz
It is quick and sweet read. But beware some spoilers for the games. Essays within Irvin’s book doesn’t get to a point when analysis the whole structure of each game, tho. Just important scenes and points of the game.
So be aware of that before grabbing it. Readers that haven’t played “Bioshock Infinite” might want to skip a few chapters/essays.
3 out of 5 stars.
„Bioshock And Philosophy: Irrational Game, Rational Book” by William Irvin & Luke Cuddy (editor).
It is something of a bridge between crash course on how immersion works within video game medium, for those both familiar and not giving much thought to the implications of it.
It’s written in simple, digestible clear language.
Sometimes author felt need to highlight too much times, how one or another part of Bioshock games was ‘out-there’, ‘thought-provoking’ and intriguing. Which undoubtedly are sentiments that were and still are surrounding especially first entry to this day. As an important piece and landmark of sorts in FPS, interactive sim video-game. But more importantly a video-game that made the public reconsider video-games as art form and interactive experience touching upon philosophy. I agree with the above, even though I feel like with each next entry, some not so visible flaws of original emerged from the followed formula.
But Irvin sometimes word-wise sounds (probably unintentionally) like backing up his enthusiasm and credibility in saying serious stuff about a video-game, because it’s a video-game and it can be perceived as just flashy childish entertainment even when including bloody violence. Otherwise, some re-assuring of “it’s an important game”. Can stop a flow or stream of thought that Irvin can quite lure you into.
Partially it holds-up as pretty down-to-earth friendly chat and examination of video game mechanics, special elements of communication with a player in this peculiar medium, that feels like coming from real passion for the Bioshock games. It’s evenly trimmed down, not to gasp about the mechanics in broader scope and possibilities in video-games in general. But it focuses on how Bioshock games utilise the cinematic element of the cutscenes, the visual guidance of the players etc.
Yeah “Bioshock” made name for itself not only playing with philosophy- working as critique of Ayn Rand’s objectivism, but also in a final moments and iconic plot/gameplay twist, pulling out the curtain of the video game experiences. Video games as invisible guidance walk, with elements, mean to evoke this and that and to have a conclusion. “Bioshock” not exactly re-engineers structure of a video game. Taking many more simplified, accessible models of immersive sim elements from the System Shock series, made by the same studio. But it opened up a door for video-game players (both those really into it, and occasional ones) into reconsidering something about narratives, about the strings within this game experiences. Also looking at a consistently crafted plot twist, that holds-up when revisiting “Bioshock” with full-knowledge of context, themes and of course famous reveal in a finale.
That’s really worth something and made an impact on the video-game industry, pointing that there’s a needed space for moving, kinetic stories taking advantage of the constructed virtual-worlds to talk about larger things outside of video-game easy fun.
The surprise for me with this book was that each chapter written by different author feels like put together essay, a perspective on Bioshock. So the book lacks bigger thematic conclusion or string holding it together other than “it’s Bioshock! Let’s talk about effects it can have on players and how it uses its mechanics, themes etc.”
But this approach also makes it light read. Not knowing what will pop-up in following chapter.
There are appreciated citations and references to some philosophy and cognitive science when discussing video-game and its effects on a player, but also just the narrative of “Bioshock”.
For those not familiar with Ayn Rand works that “Bioshock” inspired, book gives pretty quick, digestible crash course on her ideas and how they relate to “Bioshock”.
Like how main game producer and writer- Ken Levine basically made the game’s beginning as a follow-up to “Atlas Shrugged” ambiguous ending. It also has some interview citations from Levine himself when arguing and describing the games in certain chapters. Which is a good way to argue about things, but also keep original driven ideas of creators in mind.
My fav chapters where: 7th one “Bioshock as Plato’s Cave” by Roger Travis. Which was actually a piece that made me stop a bit and reconsider things and comparisons made by Travis. In a positive way. Not as gibberish but as a way of trying to say something new on the well-known “Plato’s Cave allegory” with usage of “Bioshock” original game as an example and subject to analysis.
Cool, rethinking philosophy through a video game and systems of control tied to the interactive program.
14th “Have You Ever Been to Rapture?
Bioshock as an Introduction to Phenomenology”
Stefan Schevelier
&
16th “Vending Machine Values.
Buying Beauty and Morality in Bioshock”
Michael J. Muniz
It is quick and sweet read. But beware some spoilers for the games. Essays within Irvin’s book doesn’t get to a point when analysis the whole structure of each game, tho. Just important scenes and points of the game.
So be aware of that before grabbing it. Readers that haven’t played “Bioshock Infinite” might want to skip a few chapters/essays.
3 out of 5 stars.
April 28, 2018
For anyone who liked the BioShock games, this slim volume is an effective primer to introduce readers to some of the more interesting aspects of philosophy that can be located in the text and actions of the game. After an extremely lackluster opening essay the book really gets going with some interesting and effective discussions. Now, to be totally clear--these essays really are introductions to bigger areas of philosophical thought, and don't do much to advance the field of philosophy in any way. This, of course, is not to say that they don't have value, it's to provide some perspective on what you're getting yourself into in reading such a thing. The essays in this collection are good at raising more questions than they can answer, and while some are poorly written in that they are speculative without being sort of educational, others are great at explaining complex philosophical problems and then relating it to examples from the games under discussion. There are, to be fair, some gems amidst the junk here.
Two last things. First, there is a notable absence of commentary or thought around BioShock 2 in this book; I understand the game was not developed by Irrational Games and seems like a fairly boilerplate sequel to most fans, but it seems an unkind omission not to at least have some discussion of this expansion on the original game's world. Second, overall this book very highly surpassed the rather low expectations I initially had for it. If you're familiar with the games, the explanations of the subject matter will follow, and it can be a rather enjoyable read.
Two last things. First, there is a notable absence of commentary or thought around BioShock 2 in this book; I understand the game was not developed by Irrational Games and seems like a fairly boilerplate sequel to most fans, but it seems an unkind omission not to at least have some discussion of this expansion on the original game's world. Second, overall this book very highly surpassed the rather low expectations I initially had for it. If you're familiar with the games, the explanations of the subject matter will follow, and it can be a rather enjoyable read.
August 1, 2022
Honestly, I was kind of disappointed by this book. I felt a lot of the essays were quite shallow or narrow in vision, and there seemed to be a decision to ignore DLC (for the most part at least), which actually would change the main thrust of more than one of the arguments presented (and ignores some of the most fascinating parts of Bioshock - Minerva's Den for instance). Ultimately, though, the biggest failing of this book for me, is that so few of the essays attempt to turn the lessons learned from studying Bioshock philosophically onto real world problems.
Studying the game itself is a nice fun diversion, but the game is fiction, logic only holds as far as the writers have done their job well in being internally consistent (and nobody's perfect, so there will be inconsistencies), and as such there is only so far one can go before what you're discussing becomes wild conjecture. A bit more of a grounding in reality would not only have given the book more focus, but also gives the game the credit it deserves in the commentary it is making and the impact it can have, on real world problems.
Studying the game itself is a nice fun diversion, but the game is fiction, logic only holds as far as the writers have done their job well in being internally consistent (and nobody's perfect, so there will be inconsistencies), and as such there is only so far one can go before what you're discussing becomes wild conjecture. A bit more of a grounding in reality would not only have given the book more focus, but also gives the game the credit it deserves in the commentary it is making and the impact it can have, on real world problems.
November 16, 2021
I listened to this on audiobook.
The book doesn't stick to the subject and uses System Shock as examples. I was fine with this. The narration of the audiobook reflected what I can only assume are errors in the text as they repeatedly called the antagonists of certain games protagonists. Then there's an entire chapter about ghosts, brings up the section of dialogue that explains the ghosts are essentially genetic hallucinations passed on to splicers (since ADAM is recycled from the dead via the little sisters) then goes on and on to argue about literal ghosts which aren't in the games. So it's more or less a book arguing philosophy in many cases which has very tenuous ties to the game and based on a lack of understanding for the subject material it is examining. Also the constant reference to Bioshock as an RPG shows a lack of understanding of the genre in video games.
The book doesn't stick to the subject and uses System Shock as examples. I was fine with this. The narration of the audiobook reflected what I can only assume are errors in the text as they repeatedly called the antagonists of certain games protagonists. Then there's an entire chapter about ghosts, brings up the section of dialogue that explains the ghosts are essentially genetic hallucinations passed on to splicers (since ADAM is recycled from the dead via the little sisters) then goes on and on to argue about literal ghosts which aren't in the games. So it's more or less a book arguing philosophy in many cases which has very tenuous ties to the game and based on a lack of understanding for the subject material it is examining. Also the constant reference to Bioshock as an RPG shows a lack of understanding of the genre in video games.
December 24, 2019
A really awesome read for anyone who loves Bioshock and philosophy. All the articles were very interesting, even when I didn't agree with all the points they made. The only thing I wish is that this book included more about Bioshock 2 and Burial at Sea (though I know the latter wasn't out yet when this was published, so that's not really possible).
As a sidenote: it's kind of a bummer to see how many interesting points these articles made were totally debunked by Burial at Sea. To keep it brief, B@S really screwed up the series a whole and I wish it didn't exist. But that's just me I guess!
As a sidenote: it's kind of a bummer to see how many interesting points these articles made were totally debunked by Burial at Sea. To keep it brief, B@S really screwed up the series a whole and I wish it didn't exist. But that's just me I guess!
February 17, 2021
Firstly, if you love BioShock or BioShock Infinite, of course you'll be into this book. Hey, I enjoyed it. However, I was expecting a thematic exploration of the games. It does go into some of those themes, but the essays are more philosophical through a BioShock lens, rather than the other way around. I've never read about or studied philosophy, so I learned a lot more about that than I did about BioShock.
All in all, it's a good read that supplements the series.
All in all, it's a good read that supplements the series.
February 2, 2023
An interesting philosophical look into the Bioshock game series. It gave me some things to think about, but there were definitely essays I didn’t necessarily agree with and that went on a bit of tangent. Overall, not bad, but I feel like I just listened to philosophy 101 students using a video game for a class assignment
November 2, 2024
"Would You Kindly" Keep Reading :)
This book can best be described as a chimera of ideas, each distinctly standing out like the use of objectivism, the story blocks, or the expression of quantum mechanics, string theory and all the other fields of study of which I know nothing.
10/10 would recommend,
This book can best be described as a chimera of ideas, each distinctly standing out like the use of objectivism, the story blocks, or the expression of quantum mechanics, string theory and all the other fields of study of which I know nothing.
10/10 would recommend,
November 12, 2017
Whilst some of the writers clearly tried to make sure their articles were accessible to most, others didn't, which left them unintelligible. Overall a decent little collection of interesting articles.
June 18, 2020
A good book to read. While it isn't as comprehensive as I thought it would be, I was more than satisfied with the philosophies discussed in the Bioshock series. However, it can be a little tough to digest. Still, a worthy read.
August 21, 2020
Very interesting! I like that each chapter is written by a different author and each chapter focuses on a different concept. The book explores bioethics, transhumanism, Ayn Rand philosophy (similar to Andrew Ryan in Bioshock), feminism. Really good especially if you loved the lore of the games
October 21, 2024
Combining one of my favourite video game series with philosophy was a sure fire hit. This book discusses so many interesting topics, and it makes me see the games in a whole new light! I have never seen such detailed interpretations of a video game, and it has left me with a lot to think about.
January 23, 2018
A little dull to read, but had some good points that I never thought about. Definitly and academic read.
October 18, 2020
Some thoughts were pushing it a bit but others were very insightful. For fans of bioshock, philosophy, sociology, and political science
December 3, 2023
Very good might revisit
May 3, 2024
🎶 ~ WELCOME TO THE CIRCUS OF VALUES ~ HAHAHAHA 🤡
Audiobook ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Audiobook ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
May 5, 2025
Solid read that kept me engaged on multiple topics. Great book.
July 29, 2017
To be honest, I am not a fan of Philosophy at all. The classes I had to take in college were dry, boring, and I am pretty sure I always ended up getting a C in those classes.
But this book completely changed my view on the subject. I am starting to wish that instead of the boring books we had in those classes that I had thia book.
the overall material is thought provoking and made me realize things that occur in the games had an actual philosophical background to it.
The book did indeed do it's job when it came to making the reader see the Bioshock series in a different light.
But this book completely changed my view on the subject. I am starting to wish that instead of the boring books we had in those classes that I had thia book.
the overall material is thought provoking and made me realize things that occur in the games had an actual philosophical background to it.
The book did indeed do it's job when it came to making the reader see the Bioshock series in a different light.
September 14, 2016
Normally, I am all for the world of Bioshock whether it be 1, 2 or Infinite; this book, however, certainly pushed my poorly untrained mind to its limits. While I do enjoy philosophy, this book seems to drone on and on about things that I have trouble following like constants and variables. I normally enjoy the "and philosophy" books very much, but this one was all right. It certainly gave me quite a bit to think about, but I just wasn't as interested in the content as I was Star Wars or Hannibal and Philosophy.
June 8, 2016
Exploring themes in one of the most philosophically engaging games in history. The articles I read (one from each section) are uniformly interesting in terms of the various ideas surrounding narrative, art, free will, etc. A good read for any fan of the BioShock series.
Read
March 14, 2018Very interesting. I found most of the entries to be well written and explained in "laymen's terms" that enabled me to understand the concepts without being condescending. I particularly enjoyed "Would You Kindly Bring Us the Girl and Wipe Away the Debt: Free Will and Moral Responsibility in Bioshock Infinite" as well as the other entries in Part II entitled Tears, Time, and Reality. All of the entries in Part III entitled "The 'Union" and Sodom Below" were excellent and "The Vox Populi Group, Marx, and Equal Rights for All" was of special interest to me. And the final entry entitled "Vending Machine Values: Buying Beauty and Morality in Bioshock" was fantastic.
I have a laymen's general interest in philosophy and I've played maybe half of Bioshock, but found the combination to be compelling and educational.
I have a laymen's general interest in philosophy and I've played maybe half of Bioshock, but found the combination to be compelling and educational.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews