Heroes and Philosophy: Buy the Book, Save the World by David Kyle Johnson

Heroes and Philosophy: Buy the Book, Save the World Reviews

• 
  Tim Gannon

  This text uses the tv series, Heroes, to discuss philosophical topics. Each chapter is written by a different author. As may be expected, some of the chapters seem to be written better, and to resonate deeper than other chapters. The last two chapters deal with obligations and lying. They were excellent and well worth the price of the book.
• 
  Tim Annan

  I bought this book for two reasons:
  1) I bought another within the over all "Blackwell" series and enjoyed it
  2) I wanted to do my dissertation on the idea of Popular Culture influencing Ethical Development.
  
  Being Dyslexic, I find it hard actually sitting down and reading any book. Even more so when I have to understand and remember what it's actually saying.
  
  With this book, and indeed the series as a whole, I find very easy to read. It takes concepts from varying philosophers and academics, lays them out in relatively simple language and links them to parts of the TV show in this case.
  
  I read this on a train to lectures and nearly missed a connecting train because I couldn't put this down. While it is simple, the knowledge is enough for those who have little basic knowledge of theories to become accustomed to the basic principles, providing a springboard to look at deeper reading.
  
  For myself, it is a brilliant academic book. Clearly referenced, easy to read and engaging is what I feel all lecturers wish to be. This book, and indeed series, is that.
  
  My only issue is that it is not required reading for those interested in the subject, yet have little knowledge of it and that my copy is now a bit bashed.
• 
  Christopher

  A collection of essays by various experts that adds some good insights into the characters and why they behave the way they do according to social theorists and philosophers from ancient Greece to modern day. Be aware though that the "philosophy" in the title often extends into "psychology" and "ethics" and I think far too much even into simple "science" such as biology, physics, and chemistry (and especially relating to time-travel), which have nothing to do with philosophy and should have been added to a collection of essays on the science of superpowers. If you are a fan of Heroes though, it stays focused on the characters and is in the end satisfying.
• 
  Magdalena

  Disappointingly simple and not very revealing. I did learn some interesting things about ethics (although it was a bit sexist, why ethics of care - very nice concept, I like it! - was considered as only feminist idea?). I expected more thorough analysis, but, well, I was reading it as fan in awe after finishing this series three days ago, so I can't really complain, everything about Heroes is cool. :)
• 
  LB

  I was the production editor for this book, and as a huge fan of the TV series, I can honestly say that this was a great read. The collection of essays cover everything from the ethics of time travel to my favorite character, Peter, and his empathic ability. Pick up a copy to read while you wait for the next season to begin.