{"product_id":"9780812699722","title":"American Horror Story and Philosophy: Life Is but a Nightmare","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn \u003ci\u003eAmerican Horror Story and Philosophy\u003c\/i\u003e , philosophers with varying backgrounds and interests explore different aspects of this popular “erotic thriller” TV show, with its enthusiastic cult following and strong critical approval. The result is a collection of intriguing and provocative thoughts on deeper questions prompted by the creepy side of the human imagination.\u003cbr\u003eAs an “anthology show,” \u003ci\u003eAmerican Horror Story\u003c\/i\u003e has a unique structure in the horror genre because it explores distinct subgenres of horror in each season. As a result, each season raises its own set of philosophical issues. The show’s first season, \u003ci\u003eMurder House\u003c\/i\u003e , is a traditional haunted house story. Philosophical topics expounded here include: the moral issues pertaining to featuring a mass murderer as one of the season’s main protagonists; the problem of other minds—when I see an old hag, how can I know that you don’t see a sexy maid? And whether it is rationally justified to fear the Piggy Man.\u003cbr\u003e Season Two, \u003ci\u003eAsylum\u003c\/i\u003e , takes place inside a mid-twentieth-century mental hospital. Among other classic horror subgenres, this season includes story lines featuring demonic possession and space aliens. Chapters inspired by this season include such topics as: the ethics of investigative reporting and whistleblowing; personal identity and demonic possession; philosophical problems arising from eugenics; and the ethics and efficacy of torture.\u003cbr\u003e Season Three, \u003ci\u003eCoven\u003c\/i\u003e , focuses on witchcraft in the contemporary world. Chapters motivated by this season include: sisterhood and feminism as starkly demonstrated in a coven; the metaphysics of traditional voodoo zombies (in contrast to the currently fashionable “infected” zombies); the uses of violent revenge; and the metaphysics of reanimation.\u003cbr\u003e Season Four, \u003ci\u003eFreak Show\u003c\/i\u003e , takes place in a circus. Philosophical writers look at life under the Big Top as an example of “life imitating art”; several puzzles about personal identity and identity politics (crystallized in the two-headed girl, the bearded lady, and the lobster boy); the ethical question of honor and virtue among thieves; as well as several topics in social and political philosophy.\u003cbr\u003e Season Five, \u003ci\u003eHotel\u003c\/i\u003e , is, among other disturbing material, about vampires. Chapters inspired by this season include: the ethics of creating vampire progeny; LGBT-related philosophical issues; and existentialism as it applies to serial killers,\u003cbr\u003e Season Six, \u003ci\u003eRoanoke\u003c\/i\u003e , often considered the most creative of the seasons so far, partly because of its employment of the style of documentaries with dramatic re-enactments, and its mimicry of \u003ci\u003eThe Blair Witch Project\u003c\/i\u003e and \u003ci\u003eParanormal Activity\u003c\/i\u003e . Among the philosophical themes explored here are what happens to moral obligations under the Blood Moon; the proper role of truth in storytelling; and the defensibility of cultural imperialism.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Open Court Publishing Company","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47016593490160,"sku":"9780812699722","price":19.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0737\/7593\/9824\/files\/9780812699722_p0.jpg?v=1769910009","url":"https:\/\/shop-qa.barnesandnoble.com\/products\/9780812699722","provider":"Barnes \u0026 Noble (DEV)","version":"1.0","type":"link"}