Mad Men and Philosophy: Nothing Is as It Seemsedited by Rod Carveth
edited by James B. South
Series Editor: William Irwin
Published: 2010
Genre: Philosophy
Paperback: 272 pages
Rating: 5
Excerpt here
Description from publisher's site:
A look at the philosophical underpinnings of the hit TV show, Mad Men
With its swirling cigarette smoke, martini lunches, skinny ties, and tight pencil skirts, Mad Men is unquestionably one of the most stylish, sexy, and irresistible shows on television. But the series becomes even more absorbing once you dig deeper into its portrayal of the changing social and political mores of 1960s America and explore the philosophical complexities of its key characters and themes.
From Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle to John Kenneth Galbraith, Milton Friedman, and Ayn Rand, Mad Men and Philosophy brings the thinking of some of history's most powerful minds to bear on the world of Don Draper and the Sterling Cooper ad agency.
You'll gain insights into a host of compelling Mad Men questions and issues, including happiness, freedom, authenticity, feminism, Don Draper's identity, and more.
--Takes an unprecedented look at the philosophical issues and themes behind AMC's Emmy Award-winning show, Mad Men
--Explores issues ranging from identity to authenticity to feminism, and more
--Offers new insights on your favorite Mad Men characters, themes, and storylines
--Mad Men and Philosophy will give Mad Men fans everywhere something new to talk about around the water cooler.
My two-bits:
In-a-word(s): remembering and forgetting
As a fan, I enjoyed reading this somewhat in-depth look into this tv series, Mad Men. I liked learning about the possible meanings and reasons for the portrayal of the different characters and settings.
I was taken with the various Don Draper analyses on what makes him tick and why.After watching the recent season 4, episode 2, I'm getting reacquainted with the jerk-side of him. But, I have hope that by the season end he'll be different.
* review copy courtesy of publisher, Wiley
