Synopses & Reviews
The first look at the philosophy behind the
Iron Man comics and movies, timed for the release of
Iron Man 2 in March 2010
On the surface, Iron Man appears to be a straightforward superhero, another rich guy fighting crime with fancy gadgets. But beneath the shiny armor and flashy technology lies Tony Stark, brilliant inventor and eccentric playboy, struggling to balance his desires, addictions, and relationships with his duties as the Armored Avenger. Iron Man and Philosophy explores the many philosophical issues that emerge from the essential conflicts found in the decades of Iron Man stories in comics and movies. What kind of moral compass does Tony Stark have? Is Iron Man responsible for the death of Captain America after the Marvel Universe “Civil War”? Should people like Stark run the world? How does Tony’s alcoholism impact his performance as Iron Man, and what does it say about moral character? Ultimately, what can Iron Man teach us about the role of technology in society?
As absorbing as Iron Man comic books and movies, Iron Man and Philosophy:
- Gives you a new perspective on Iron Man characters, story lines, and themes
- Shows what philosophical heavy hitters such as Aristotle, Locke, and Heidegger can teach us about Tony Stark/Iron Man
- Considers issues such as addiction, personal responsibility, the use of technology, and the role of government
Whether you've been reading the comic books for years or have gotten into Iron Man through the movies, Iron Man and Philosophy is a must-have companion for every fan.
Synopsis
The first look at the philosophy behind the Iron Man comics and movies, timed for the release of Iron Man 2 in March 2010
When genius-and-playboy-turned-superhero Tony Stark (aka Iron Man) uses his technological prowess to help others rather than the war machine he's nurtured with Stark Industries, he must grapple not only with a suit of armor, but with dangers and philosophical dilemmas that give new meaning to the term heavy metal. This book is the first to explore them, drawing on the wisdom of philosophical heavyweights like Plato to answer essential questions such as: Can someone be morally flawed and still deserve to be a superhero? If Iron Man is the property of Stark Industries, what are the moral ramifications of ownership? How can virtue ethics explain the direction of Tony Stark's moral compass? Why should Tony Stark be the only person to make use of the Iron Man technology?
As absorbing as Iron Man comic books and movies, Iron Man and Philosophy
Gives you a new perspective on Iron Man characters, storylines, and themes Shows what philosophical heavy hitters such as Aristotle, Locke and Heidegger can teach us about Tony Stark/Iron Man Considers issues such as addiction, personal responsibility, the use of technology, and the role of government
Whether you've been reading the comic books for years or have gotten into Iron Man through the movies, Iron Man and Philosophy is a must-have companion for every fan.
Synopsis
Can Iron Man's armor actually think?
Is Tony Stark's intelligence the greatest source of Iron Man's power?
Can Iron Man be both a superhero and the corporate property of Stark Industries?
Does the Iron Man technology point the way to a brighter future or a darkening horizon?
Can Tony Stark be a genuine superhero and a hard-drinking womanizer?
On the surface, Iron Man appears to be a straightforward superhero, another rich guy fighting crime with fancy gadgets. But beneath the shiny armor and flashy technology lies Tony Stark, brilliant inventor and eccentric playboy, struggling to balance his desires, addictions, and relationships with his duties as the Armored Avenger. Iron Man and Philosophy explores the many philosophical issues that emerge from the essential conflicts found in the decades of Iron Man stories in comics and movies. What kind of moral compass does Tony Stark have? Is Iron Man responsible for the death of Captain America after the Marvel Universe Civil War? Should people like Stark run the world? Ultimately, what can Iron Man teach us about the role of technology in society?
About the Author
Mark D. White is a professor in the Department of Political Science, Economics, and Philosophy at the College of Staten Island/CUNY. He coedited
Batman and Philosophy and edited
Watchmen and Philosophy.
William Irwin is a professor of philosophy at King's College in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. He originated the philosophy and popular culture genre of books as coeditor of the bestselling The Simpsons and Philosophy and has overseen recent titles, including Batman and Philosophy, House and Philosophy, and Watchmen and Philosophy.
Table of Contents
Iron Introductions and Armored Acknowledgments.
Part One The Nuts and Bolts of Tony Stark.
1 The Stark Madness of Technology (George A. Dunn).
2 The Technological Subversion of Technology: Tony Stark, Heidegger and the Subject of Resistance (Rocco Gangle).
3 The Literal Making of a Superhero (Travis N. Rieder).
Part Two Wearing the Armor Responsibly.
4 Can Iron Man Atone for Tony Stark’s Wrongs? (Christopher Robichaud).
5 Did Iron Man Kill Captain America? (Mark D. White).
6 Fate at the Bottom of a Bottle: Alcohol and Tony Stark (Ron Novy).
Part Three The Iron