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Philosophy

Page history last edited by Krystal Koonce 11 years, 11 months ago

Philosophy in Comics

 

Philosophy, as a study, is about wisdom and the search for it.  The critical approach of discovering the philosophy of comics consists mostly of asking the right questions and seeking meaning within the piece. 

 

Background

 

Philosophy is the study of thought, such as existence, knowledge, morality, wisdom, and the fundamentals of society.  Philosophy critically approaches these ideas through reasoning and using rational arguments to draw conclusions. 

 

The study of philosophy, as it is commonly known, originated in ancient Greece with the original philosophers who provided the fundamentals of the study that future philosophers would springboard their own ideas from. 

 

Types of Questions

 

As philosophy is the study of inquiry and questions, there is really no limit to what questions can be asked.  Whatever questions are asked should be in the pursuit of knowledge and meaning. 

  •   What is truth?
  •   What is the nature of morality?
  •   What is it to be human?
  •   What is existence? 

 

Underlying Assumptions

 

In regards to comics, philosophy is often overlooked as many think that comics are only for pleasure and entertainment.  However, just because a comic is meant to entertain does not mean that it has nothing to say.  To approach critically approach comics in a philosophical method the reader must seek more than just entertainment from the piece, and search for the meaning.  

 

Objects of Study

 

Philosophy analyzes the meaning of comics, not necessarily what the author intended, but what the reader (or yourself) derives from the story.  Because philosophy is so fluid in nature there is no boundaries for what type of comic it can be applied to.  However, comics cannot just be read for pleasure if one is attempting to analyze it philosophically, one must read deeper and search for the meaning the piece in both its words and art.

 

Methods of Analysis

 

The first step of  “philosophical process” of analyzing a comic is by reading and “experiencing” the book, then reflecting on whether or not you enjoyed the piece and why.  From there you must ask yourself why you did or did not like it and be able to find support within the text for why.  From there you should be able to conclude the meaning of the piece, for you, and be able to compare it to what others concluded from the work. 

 

For example, Jimmy Corrigan explores the morality of the abandonment of a child, does doing so make a person “evil” or “wrong”?  Are they simply a product of their own troubled past and the blame lies with the first offender?  Should we accept responsibility over our own fate or place blame in others? 

 

Bibliography

 

  •  Morris, Tom. 2005. Superheroes and Philosophy: Truth, Justice, and the Socratic Way.
  •  McLaughlin, Jeff. 2012. “The Triumph of the Human Spirit in X-Men.” Critical Approaches to Comics: Theories and Methods.

 

References 

 

  •  Morris, Tom. 2005. Superheroes and Philosophy: Truth, Justice, and the Socratic Way.
  •  McLaughlin, Jeff. 2012. “The Triumph of the Human Spirit in X-Men.” Critical Approaches to Comics: Theories and Methods.

 

 

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