30 Rock and Philosophy: We Want to Go to There (The Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture Series) Review

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(More customer reviews)As the editor of this book, I'm reluctant to write a review of it--but obviously not reluctant enough!
I've edited 6 of these books, and I am most proud of this one. I think the essays manage to be entertaining, to offer broad coverage of divergent areas of philosophy, and also demonstrate love of the show--all things the series attempt to capture in each of its books.
Almost all contributors have advanced degrees in philosophy. So, contra one disgruntled reviewer, these are not 'high school' type essays. The book offers some philosophical depth, but mainly offers to engage one with philosophical ideas in a general way--trying not to get too technical, but also not to water down the diffiuclt ideas.
Perhaps arrogantly, I think we've managed this in all the books I've worked on (Family Guy and Philosophy, The Office and Philosophy, Twilight and Philosophy, X-Men and Philosophy, Arrested Development and Philosophy (forthcoming), and this one). I think the 30 Rock book is the most successful of the bunch.
Obviously, this genre of book is not for everyone. Some regard the popularization of philosophy as a disservice to the discipline. I am obviously not someone who buys this view. I think philosophy in the academy has become too insulated for the rest of the world--so insulated, in fact, that most people have no idea what philosophy is or why its worth pursuing. 30 Rock and Philosophy tries to provide a bridge into philosophy through popular culture--and I think we do it quite well. (Of course, if I didn't, I wouldn't have put my name on the book, and the book would not have come out!).
Yes, I gave 'myself' 5 stars. But this is misleading, as this is an edited volume. The reason the book is so good is because of the contributors to the book, not because of any particular editorial genius on my part (I have no genius of any kind, it turns out). So, my ranking isn't really to say how I great I am; it is to say that I have been impressed with each of the authors in this volume--at their care for their work, and their willingness to make philosophy available to larger audiences in a more readily available form.

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A fascinating exploration of the philosophy behind NBC's hit TV series, 30 Rock
With edgy writing and a great cast, 30 Rock is one of the funniest television shows on the air—and where hilarity ensues, philosophical questions abound: Are Liz Lemon and Jack Donaghy ethical heroes? Kenneth redefines "goody two shoes", but what does it really mean to be good? Dr. Leo Spaceman routinely demonstrates that medicine is not a science, so what is the role of the incompetent professional in America today?
In 30 Rock and Philosophy, Tina Fey and her fellow cast members are thrust onto the philosophical stage with Plato, Aristotle, Kantand other great thinkers to examine these key questions and many others that involve the characters and plotlines of 30 Rock and its fictional TGS with Tracy Jordan comedy show.
Takes an entertaining, up-close look at the philosophical issues behind 30 Rock's characters and storylines, from post-feminist ideals to workaholism and the meaning of life
Equips you with a new understanding of Liz Lemon, Jack Donaghy, Tracy Jordan, Jenna Maroney, Dr. Spaceman, and other characters
Gives you deep and meaningful new reasons (who knew?) for watching Tina Fey and your other favorites on 30 Rock

Ideal for both casual and diehard fans, this book is the essential companion for every 30 Rock-watcher.