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Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture #21
30 Rock and Philosophy: We Want to Go to There
A fascinating exploration of the philosophy behind NBC’s hit TV series, 30 Rock With edgy writing and a great cast, 30 Rock is one of the funniest television shows on the air―and where hilarity ensues, philosophical questions abound: Are Liz Lemon and Jack Donaghy ethical heroes? Kenneth redefines "goody two shoes", but what does it really mean to be good? Dr. Leo Spaceman routinely demonstrates that medicine is not a science, so what is the role of the incompetent professional in America today? In 30 Rock and Philosophy, Tina Fey and her fellow cast members are thrust onto the philosophical stage with Plato, Aristotle, Kantand other great thinkers to examine these key questions and many others that involve the characters and plotlines of 30 Rock and its fictional TGS with Tracy Jordan comedy show. Ideal for both casual and diehard fans, this book is the essential companion for every 30 Rock -watcher.
240 pages, Paperback
First published June 24, 2010
13 people are currently reading
240 people want to read
About the author
William Irwin
128 books127 followersWilliam Irwin is Professor of Philosophy at King's College in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania and is best known for originating the "philosophy and popular culture" book genre with Seinfeld and Philosophy: A Book about Everything and Nothing (1999) and The Simpsons and Philosophy: The D'oh! of Homer (2001).
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
May 21, 2020
Listen up fives, a ten is speaking. I love philosophical analysis of popular culture so this book was right up my alley. If you’re a 30 Rock fan who also loves in-depth academic analysis you’ll love it too!
April 22, 2020
The Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture Series is always a mixed bag. Usually the pieces in these collections come in two flavors: (1) Essays from hardcore fans who are also experts in some field of philosophy, sociology, etc; and (2) Essays from experts in a field who try to awkwardly shoehorn in some references to a popular movie or TV show. Type 1 essays are better, but usually they're awkward too.
In both types, we get lots of quotes from the show or film that are fun to remember, but usually don't enlighten us in any serious way. On the other side, the philosophy (or sociology or whatever) doesn't often go into enough depth to satisfy those of us looking for real meaty discussions. And in nearly every case, we get connections that range from the bizarre to the absurd to the simply incorrect. (Tracy Jordan is not wrong to worry about emasculation as a black man in the entertainment industry.)
The highlights of this collection are the reflections on performance and identity at the end, and the mixture of Confucius and Aristotle toward the beginning, related to the "semi-virtuous path". The worst of the bunch is the discussion of feminism, alas — which stinks, because there's plenty of good fertile soil to analyze 30 Rock through a feminist lens — and one of the three (yes, three) essays about corporate life.
If you're a die-hard fan of the show, this book is worth reading — but once you realize an essay isn't worth your time, skip it. If you don't like the show, don't bother. (Besides, there's probably a companion volume for a show you do like.)
In both types, we get lots of quotes from the show or film that are fun to remember, but usually don't enlighten us in any serious way. On the other side, the philosophy (or sociology or whatever) doesn't often go into enough depth to satisfy those of us looking for real meaty discussions. And in nearly every case, we get connections that range from the bizarre to the absurd to the simply incorrect. (Tracy Jordan is not wrong to worry about emasculation as a black man in the entertainment industry.)
The highlights of this collection are the reflections on performance and identity at the end, and the mixture of Confucius and Aristotle toward the beginning, related to the "semi-virtuous path". The worst of the bunch is the discussion of feminism, alas — which stinks, because there's plenty of good fertile soil to analyze 30 Rock through a feminist lens — and one of the three (yes, three) essays about corporate life.
If you're a die-hard fan of the show, this book is worth reading — but once you realize an essay isn't worth your time, skip it. If you don't like the show, don't bother. (Besides, there's probably a companion volume for a show you do like.)
November 18, 2022
Blerg. I started this in May after I had rewatched the entire series and just got around to finishing it. It's been a while, so I can't remember much specifically, but I can say I enjoyed the ethics section the most (learned a new term: contextual absolutism). The deal breakers section was my least favorite. This book series is always a little bit uneven in the quality of essays, and this one wasn't any different. Some of it is also really dated (published in 2010).
December 13, 2017
Bad. Really, really bad.
I'm a huge 30 Rock fan, and I was looking forward to reading a book that analyzes it from a different perspective. To be honest, I read it (or, the first third of it) more a year ago, and I don't really remember it well enough to explain what was so bad, but I remember feeling it was incredibly stupid and contrived, until at some point I couldn't keep reading.
I'm a huge 30 Rock fan, and I was looking forward to reading a book that analyzes it from a different perspective. To be honest, I read it (or, the first third of it) more a year ago, and I don't really remember it well enough to explain what was so bad, but I remember feeling it was incredibly stupid and contrived, until at some point I couldn't keep reading.
March 23, 2023
These “Popular Culture and Philosophy” series are fun, escapist fare. The “30 Rock” entry is no different. It’s enjoyable, occasionally thought-provoking and a confirmation that Tracy Jordan truly was “ straight up mentally ill.”
February 7, 2021
Around the Year in 52 Books 2021: A book with an ensemble cast.
February 28, 2012
I was incredibly disappointed by this book. I guess what I was hoping for was a book that took one of my favorite shows (30 Rock!) and used it to make heavy philosophical ideas more accessible to dumb-dumbs like me.
I suppose it *sort-of* did. The philosophical ideas were definitely more accessible than, say, a college philosophy text, but that's about where my praise of this book ends.
What really disappointed me was the fact that almost every contributor to this text either used quotes out of context (to make their arguments plausible) OR straight-up got the lines wrong. This book was designed for someone like me, who has seen every episode of 30 Rock multiple times, and the authors claim to have done the same. I don't really believe them.
Quotes used wrong tell me that either the authors do not know the show well enough to quote it, or that they simply didn't take the time to check their work. This would have been an incredibly easy problem to fix, and it would have added much more legitimacy to this project.
Sorry, "______ and philosophy". I probably won't be trying another one of you.
I suppose it *sort-of* did. The philosophical ideas were definitely more accessible than, say, a college philosophy text, but that's about where my praise of this book ends.
What really disappointed me was the fact that almost every contributor to this text either used quotes out of context (to make their arguments plausible) OR straight-up got the lines wrong. This book was designed for someone like me, who has seen every episode of 30 Rock multiple times, and the authors claim to have done the same. I don't really believe them.
Quotes used wrong tell me that either the authors do not know the show well enough to quote it, or that they simply didn't take the time to check their work. This would have been an incredibly easy problem to fix, and it would have added much more legitimacy to this project.
Sorry, "______ and philosophy". I probably won't be trying another one of you.
April 23, 2018
I know it sounds silly, but I loved this book. How can a 22-minute sitcom thinly veiled as the backstage antics of SNL inspire a book of corresponding philosophy? Believe it or not, it can. And for fans of 30 Rock, you’re going to want to read this book.
We all love Kenneth the Page, but what are the deeper meanings behind his moral code? How does it relate to Plato and the idea of the noble lie? And how does a hilarious, yet extremely silly, show shape how our modern generation views race, sexual orientation, and feminism? Believe it or not, these “philosophies” are discussed, while including innumerable episode references and favorite quotes.
The book is separated into themed sections, but really, it’s sixteen essays compiled by obvious fans of the show who have a concern about modern society and philosophy. The only downside: it was published in 2010, so it only references the first three seasons. If you’re looking for an all-inclusive book, keep shopping. But if you want a trip down memory lane of those first few adorable seasons, give this funny and thoughtful book a whirl.
http://hottoastyrag.weebly.com/30-roc...
We all love Kenneth the Page, but what are the deeper meanings behind his moral code? How does it relate to Plato and the idea of the noble lie? And how does a hilarious, yet extremely silly, show shape how our modern generation views race, sexual orientation, and feminism? Believe it or not, these “philosophies” are discussed, while including innumerable episode references and favorite quotes.
The book is separated into themed sections, but really, it’s sixteen essays compiled by obvious fans of the show who have a concern about modern society and philosophy. The only downside: it was published in 2010, so it only references the first three seasons. If you’re looking for an all-inclusive book, keep shopping. But if you want a trip down memory lane of those first few adorable seasons, give this funny and thoughtful book a whirl.
http://hottoastyrag.weebly.com/30-roc...
October 3, 2014
While I really enjoyed this book I expected a much funnier book. There was far more Philosophy here than I expected. Still a great lesson in how you can apply different theories can be applied to the show. It gives a better understanding of the old school Philosophers.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Tom Dheere, who has a great read. His tone is terrific for the material. He has the matter of fact tone but keeps things interesting throughout. Sometimes Philosophy can be dry, but he keeps in from dragging. I enjoyed the energy he infuses into this non-fiction read.
I am a fan of the show and really enjoyed the breakdown of the characters and scenes. It is not imperative that you watch the show, but it will make more sense if you have a working knowledge of at least the first season.
Disclosure - I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, opinions and ratings are my own.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Tom Dheere, who has a great read. His tone is terrific for the material. He has the matter of fact tone but keeps things interesting throughout. Sometimes Philosophy can be dry, but he keeps in from dragging. I enjoyed the energy he infuses into this non-fiction read.
I am a fan of the show and really enjoyed the breakdown of the characters and scenes. It is not imperative that you watch the show, but it will make more sense if you have a working knowledge of at least the first season.
Disclosure - I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, opinions and ratings are my own.
July 27, 2013
This book entertained me, but it really stretched the concept to fill pages. I was hoping to read simplified philosophy concepts as applied to 30 Rock, and there was some of that, but more often it felt like the authors were trying to stuff the sitcom into a philosophy box that it wasn't meant for. I also thought it odd that this was published halfway through the show's run—they could have capitalized on three more seasons of great material. All in all, the book was forgettable, but my love for 30 Rock runs deep.
February 18, 2013
This is quite a mixed bag. Some of these essays do a reasonable job of explaining a philosophical concept and relating that to some plots/characters on 30 Rock. Then some of them are either a bit ridiculous or are a real stretch to make them relate to 30 Rock somehow. At times, some of them seem to lose sight that 30 Rock is a tv show and the characters are written to be funny (or just work in a tv show) rather than have much link to reality or philosophy.
August 23, 2010
A hit and miss collection. I enjoy the series "Philosophy and Pop Culture" in general, but find that many of the essays sell themselves short by being far too broad.
The essays dealing with Kenneth are top notch.
The essays dealing with Kenneth are top notch.
March 27, 2015
A little dissapointing. Most of all, the book was published in the middle of the show so many of the references and essays could have ended differently (so much about Liz's 'having it all' didn't consider the final two seasons of the show).
September 13, 2010
Some of the essays were a bit dumbed down and some were a little too esoteric, but overall this was a fun collection.
April 12, 2012
started 4/4
Finished 4/11
Overall not to bad but not enough of a fan of the show to keep it.
Finished 4/11
Overall not to bad but not enough of a fan of the show to keep it.
December 26, 2012
Sometimes insightful and thought-provoking; other times, either 30 Rock gets in the way of philosophy, or philosophy gets in the way of 30 Rock.
August 4, 2013
Like the other books in this series, some of the essays were stronger than others, but this was still a decently entertaining read. Love 30 Rock. :-)
September 24, 2013
It only focused on a few philosophers (Hume, Plato, Aristotle, and Nietzsche, namely) but it was a fun, easy read.
April 12, 2014
fun read about an amazing show. i don't like most of the " " and philosophy book, but the essays in this one were enjoyable.
May 3, 2015
I did not like philosophy is college, so I don't know why I thought a philosophy book against a 30 Rock backdrop would make it enjoyable.
August 5, 2016
Pretty boring, didn't finish.
October 29, 2016
A "too long" book about a "too long" tv series.
November 24, 2013
Not as great as I thought it would be, spoken even as a #1 fan of the show!!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews