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by Michael Sacco 
Nov 3rd 2009 at 9:00AM
Good questions! And now we can find out. Following in the footsteps of books dealing with philosophies in other popular game titles like Legend of Zelda, Luke Cuddy and John Nordlinger recently released World of Warcraft and Philosophy. The book deals with topics like ethics, economics, gender identity, metaphysics, and more, written by philosophers and gamers alike from around the globe. Heck, even role-playing and cybering are the subject of discussion, along with the Infected Blood plague and lots of other well-known WoW topics.
The reviews seem to indicate that the book's a brisk, fun read, but who knows what the game's twelve-million-strong audience will actually like or appreciate. After all, to paraphrase Yeats, Azerothians are babes in philosophy and so prefer faction-fighting to the labor of its unfamiliar thought.
Those who do want to stack their Int, though, can pick up the book at Amazon or other bookstores now.
Filed under: Fan stuff, Virtual selves, News items
Reader Comments (Page 2 of 2)
Smileypants Nov 3rd 2009 10:56AM
Oooops double post. Didn't think the first one went through.
PeeWee Nov 3rd 2009 11:08AM
Common problem with this craptastic utter shite they refer to as their comments system.
Killchrono Nov 3rd 2009 11:09AM
I have only a passing interest and brief knowledge in philosophy, but I've enjoyed the bit that I've studied so I might give this one a read. Just so long as it doesn't require too high a prerequisit of philosophical knowledge and/or the message of each discussion is clear.
In terms of books relating real life subjects to games, I honestly wouldn't mind seeing a book discussing politics in relation to World of Warcraft. Having seen a lot of debates comparing events and factions in WoW (particularly in recent times since the Wrath Gate and the renewal of Horde/Alliance tensions) to real-world events and political ideologies, I think it'd be an interesting read.
Randy Nov 3rd 2009 11:18AM
Gender identity huh......I thought the only realm with those issues was San Fran....er I mean Perenolde
thebvp Nov 3rd 2009 12:20PM
1) Philosophy majors are statistically most likely to pass the Bar exam. Lawyers, more often than not, are English and Philosophy majors. It's hardly useless.
2) But how sad is it that in order to be relevant, the discipline has to pander to these levels. As one who has a degree in Philosophy, these sorts of books always make me ill. They're not really philosophy and do more of a disservice than help it. If I had a dime for every half-baked paper I graded in college comparing The Matrix to Plato's parable of the cave, I'd be a millionaire. They don't really relate, so stop trying. And stop trying to encourage it by producing this crap.
Hal Nov 3rd 2009 12:54PM
Hm, my experience was to hear more comparisons between Descartes's evil genius and The Matrix. Oh well.
I think that efforts like this to blend serious ideas with pop culture are a good thing. Anything that brings more critical thinking to the masses is a good thing in my book.
Raioul of Shadow Council Nov 3rd 2009 12:25PM
Why not get it with Transformers and Philosophy? Or maybe X-Men and Philosophy? Or better yet House MD and Philosophy? Orrrr The Legend of Zelda and Philosophy?
I can't believe how many books like these were made. Kind of amusing.
Fierna Nov 3rd 2009 12:54PM
Looks like a god read! Congratz to the authors!
madisona Nov 3rd 2009 1:43PM
Don't forget to pick up Twilight and Philosophy!
*eyeroll*
prosser.joel Nov 3rd 2009 2:19PM
I haven't read this one, but I've generally found the Pop Culture and Philosophy series to be enjoyable reads.
I'm 30, so a few years removed from taking undergrad philosophy courses during my BA, but if you want something that is a light read, but not total fluff, about a subject you like (WoW in this case), I'd generally* recommend them. And as others have noted, its something to read while AFK or mindlessly patrolling for a rare spawn.
*I say generally, b/c as collections of essays, it is a bit hit and miss.
Frank Nov 3rd 2009 3:39PM
i think this is the most civil, erudite thread i've ever seen on this site.