Anime and Philosophy: Wide Eyed Wonder

The co-editors of Battlestar Galactica and Philosophy return with an exploration of the philosophical and psychological themes of the Japanese anime films and TV series that have become the most popular with Western audiences, such as the films of Hayao Miyazaki and the Ghost in the Shell films. Contributors are academics in philosophy, popular culture studies, creative writing, film, and communication studies, and highlight characters who grapple with questions of societal violence, morality, justice, heroism, identity, and the soul. Essays are in sections on body, mind, spirit, conflict, heroes, devils, and future worlds. The book includes b&w illustrations, a glossary of the anime universe, and lists of recommended films, books, web sites. Its readership includes fans, newbies, and students. Steiff is associate chair of the Department of Film and Video at Columbia College Chicago. He is also co-author of Manga and Philosophy. Tamplin holds a PhD in philosophy. Annotation ©2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
Anime and Philosophy focuses on some of the most-loved, most-intriguing anime films and series, as well as lesser-known works, to find what lies at their core. Astro Boy, Dragon Ball Z, Ghost in the Shell, and Spirited Away are just a few of the films analyzed in this book. In these stories about monsters, robots, children, and spirits who grapple with the important questions in life we find insight crucial to our times: lessons on morality, justice, and heroism, as well as meditations on identity, the soul, and the meaning ? or meaninglessness ? of life. Anime has become a worldwide phenomenon, reaching across genres, mediums, and cultures. For those wondering why so many people love anime or for die-hard fans who want to know more, Anime and Philosophy provides a deeper appreciation of the art and storytelling of this distinctive Japanese culture.