David Kyle Johnson

Johnson is knowledgeable about a lot of things here--science fiction, philosophy, science, and religion to name just a few. After a few episodes, despite a smooth (though very emphatic) delivery style, his lectures get to be a bit old, too opinionated, and seem to stray away from the combination of sci-fi and philosophy that is supposed to be the course's focus. Still, I learned a few things. Also, he is an interesting dresser. Amazing, though, given some of his opinions, that he teaches at a Catholic University in Wilkes-Barre!… (mehr)

This is a lecture series by The Great Courses. It uses science fiction, specifically science fiction movies, to illustrate philosophical concepts. In 24 lectures, he discusses science fiction movies and how the relate to ideas in philosophy.

In each lecture, Dr. Johnson asks you to watch a movie. Then in the next lecture he discusses the movie and ties it in to philosophy.

The movies selected are enjoyable for the most part and offer interesting ideas to consider. These include Inception, The Matrix, The Adjustment Bureau, Arrival and such. He also covers Star Trek and Doctor Who. He ends with 2001 and a discussion of Nietzche, comparing the star child at the end to the idea of the übermensch.… (mehr)

Yet another book in the Blackwell PHilosophy and Pop Culture Series. I always enjoy them.

In this book, various philosophers look at the Heroes series of TV shows, books and webisodes, and explain different topics of philosophy using the actions and behaviors of the characters we're familiar with.

I enjoyed this one a little more than some of the others. It didn't spend as much time looking at the show and a little more on the philosophical topics. The other style is more useful when the reader isn't as familiar with the topic, so someone unfamiliar with the Heroes characters may not get as much out of it.… (mehr)