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Popular Culture and Philosophy #116
1984 and Philosophy: Is Resistance Futile?
Although the year 1984 is hurtling back into the distant past, Orwell’s novel Nineteen Eighty-Four continues to have a huge readership and to help shape the world of 2084. Sales of Orwell’s terrifying tale have recently spiked because of current worries about alternate facts, post-truth, and fake news.
1984 and Philosophy brings together brand new, up-to-the-minute thinking by philosophers about Nineteen Eighty-Four as it relates to today’s culture, politics, and everyday life. Some of the thinking amounts to thoughtcrime, but we managed to sneak it past the agents of the Ministry of Truth, so this is a book to be read quickly before the words on the page mysteriously transform into something different.
Who’s controlling our lives and are they getting even more levers to control us? Is truth objective or just made up? What did Orwell get right―and did he get some things wrong? Are social media opportunities for liberation or instruments of oppression? How can we fight back against totalitarian control? Can Big Brother compel us to love him? How does the language we use affect the way we think? Do we really need the unifying power of hate? Why did Orwell make Nineteen Eighty-Four so desperately hopeless? Can science be protected from poisonous ideology? Can we really believe two contradictory things at once? Who surveils the surveilors?
1984 and Philosophy brings together brand new, up-to-the-minute thinking by philosophers about Nineteen Eighty-Four as it relates to today’s culture, politics, and everyday life. Some of the thinking amounts to thoughtcrime, but we managed to sneak it past the agents of the Ministry of Truth, so this is a book to be read quickly before the words on the page mysteriously transform into something different.
Who’s controlling our lives and are they getting even more levers to control us? Is truth objective or just made up? What did Orwell get right―and did he get some things wrong? Are social media opportunities for liberation or instruments of oppression? How can we fight back against totalitarian control? Can Big Brother compel us to love him? How does the language we use affect the way we think? Do we really need the unifying power of hate? Why did Orwell make Nineteen Eighty-Four so desperately hopeless? Can science be protected from poisonous ideology? Can we really believe two contradictory things at once? Who surveils the surveilors?
256 pages, Paperback
Published May 22, 2018
14 people are currently reading
96 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
May 14, 2018
The primary focus of intellectual discussions about Orwell’s 1984 has traditionally been on totalitarianism (and rightfully so). This volume though delves into a wider range of philosophical topics, such as various epistemologies, love’s relationship to power, and the quasi-religious nature of the Party, in addition to the usual political debates. It was compiled in reaction to recent events (primarily the Trump presidency) that made 1984 more relevant than ever. As such, several essays touch on contemporary issues like mass surveillance, fake news, and social media’s implications for thought processes. The book is certainly one of the best and most insightful additions to the Popular Culture and Philosophy series, owing to the depth of the subject matter as well as the enthusiasm and creativity of the authors. Anyone who enjoys Orwell’s writings and its themes will love this book. All of the essays are fascinating in their own right, but some of the ones I thought were particularly good were:
“Revolutionary From the Waist Down,” an analysis of the relationship between sex and power and a comparison of that theme in 1984 to early sexual regulations of the Soviet Union. Interestingly, the author concludes that it is Winston, not Julia, who is the ‘revolutionary from the waist down.’
“Non-State Enemies of Freedom,” centers on the theme of the structural nature of power, arguing that it is the system itself, not the actual members of the Party that possess the real threat to a freedom.
“Love, Truluv,” examines why love poses such a threat to the Party and, therefore, why they intended to redirect it into love for Big Brother alone.
“When Cruelty Is Not Enough,” a convincing character analysis of O’Brien, arguing that he isn’t simply a sadistic, cold-blooded, and evil person. Rather more frighteningly, the author makes the case that he is a ‘warm-blooded, situationally sympathetic creature, equally proficient at cultivating the selves and the worlds [he is] obliged to dismantle.’ That is, O’Brien feels and understands emotions and psychology like no other and uses that skill as a masterful manipulator for the Party.
“Through a Telescreen Darkly,” an analysis of the importance of writing for history and dissenting opinions. It was, therefore, neccesary for the Party to elimination writing altogether and begin regressing back to a purely oral society.
“Controlling Thought through Tweets,” looks at the limitations on thought conveyed and received through Twitter and how things like abbreviations, hashtags. and emojis lead to narrower thought processes.
“Post-Factual Democracy,” contemplates some of the consequences of the 'post-truth' nature of contemporary politics on democracy.
“Revolutionary From the Waist Down,” an analysis of the relationship between sex and power and a comparison of that theme in 1984 to early sexual regulations of the Soviet Union. Interestingly, the author concludes that it is Winston, not Julia, who is the ‘revolutionary from the waist down.’
“Non-State Enemies of Freedom,” centers on the theme of the structural nature of power, arguing that it is the system itself, not the actual members of the Party that possess the real threat to a freedom.
“Love, Truluv,” examines why love poses such a threat to the Party and, therefore, why they intended to redirect it into love for Big Brother alone.
“When Cruelty Is Not Enough,” a convincing character analysis of O’Brien, arguing that he isn’t simply a sadistic, cold-blooded, and evil person. Rather more frighteningly, the author makes the case that he is a ‘warm-blooded, situationally sympathetic creature, equally proficient at cultivating the selves and the worlds [he is] obliged to dismantle.’ That is, O’Brien feels and understands emotions and psychology like no other and uses that skill as a masterful manipulator for the Party.
“Through a Telescreen Darkly,” an analysis of the importance of writing for history and dissenting opinions. It was, therefore, neccesary for the Party to elimination writing altogether and begin regressing back to a purely oral society.
“Controlling Thought through Tweets,” looks at the limitations on thought conveyed and received through Twitter and how things like abbreviations, hashtags. and emojis lead to narrower thought processes.
“Post-Factual Democracy,” contemplates some of the consequences of the 'post-truth' nature of contemporary politics on democracy.
September 5, 2018
You've read 1984 and thought it was amazing. Now, read 1984 and Philosophy and it will reveal to you all the astounding implications of Orwell's epic novel. Key insights: Everything you need to know about totalitarianism. Why did Winston love Big Brother in the end? And how Trump uses Twitter just like Big Brother uses Telescreens. Mind boggling!!
July 31, 2021
A must read for future dictators and wannabe totalitarians, this book offers a great analysis of the different elements of the the dystopian society in Orwell's "1984". The book breaks down the theories and methodology utilized by the Party on how to effectively control its citizens. Sections of the book reveal the haunting similarities of our modern day society to Orwell's dystopian world. It further analyzes the power of the media, effect of neo-liberalism, and other social elements that would further push us closer into living in an Orwellian reality.
Despite the significant insights one can read in this book, it shows a lot of redundancy content-wise. When reading the book, you would often encounter different yet similar definitions of the same aspects/terms (e.g. newspeak, thoughtcrime, etc.) from 1984. This, most likely, is the consequence of publishing a compilation of works from numerous authors rather than having a singular work by a the same author. Though the definitions aren't that far-off with each other, it can be annoying as a read to be reading the same thing over and over again.
Overall, it's a wonderful book that tackles the philosophies and elements of Orwell's 1984. Though it can be enjoyed by casual readers, a more "academic" approach should be taken to be able to appreciate and understand not only this book, but also Orwell's 1984.
Despite the significant insights one can read in this book, it shows a lot of redundancy content-wise. When reading the book, you would often encounter different yet similar definitions of the same aspects/terms (e.g. newspeak, thoughtcrime, etc.) from 1984. This, most likely, is the consequence of publishing a compilation of works from numerous authors rather than having a singular work by a the same author. Though the definitions aren't that far-off with each other, it can be annoying as a read to be reading the same thing over and over again.
Overall, it's a wonderful book that tackles the philosophies and elements of Orwell's 1984. Though it can be enjoyed by casual readers, a more "academic" approach should be taken to be able to appreciate and understand not only this book, but also Orwell's 1984.
August 24, 2025
1984 and Philosophy is a collection of essays looking at Orwell’s novel (frankly a prophetic view of what Tr*mp and his ilk would like to do to democracy) through the lens of philosophy. The first two thirds of the essays are strong and instructive. The latter third for me became repetitive and not so impactful.
December 27, 2020
This was a good book to read shortly after I finished re-reading 1984. Great articles from various philosophers! I love this series of books in which philosophers comment on a specific book, TV show or movie.
May 1, 2022
Thinking material
April 26, 2025
3,5 stars
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews