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Liked It2 of 2 members found this review helpful “I got addicted to House during my recovery from surgery late last year. As someone who teaches ethics, I found each episode full of ethical conundrums, wondering how I'd solve them from a Utilitarian, Kantian, Virtue, etc., framework. I pegged Dr. House as an "act utilitarian," but even this...” see full review » see other reviews » |
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“so different from what i usually read. I've never been huge into philosophy, but, connecting to to my favorite tv show, and the ultimate character of televsion, how can you not enjoy it?”
Danielle Pomeranz wrote this review Saturday, June 20 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No2 of 2 members found this review helpful“I got addicted to House during my recovery from surgery late last year. As someone who teaches ethics, I found each episode full of ethical conundrums, wondering how I'd solve them from a Utilitarian, Kantian, Virtue, etc., framework. I pegged Dr. House as an "act utilitarian," but even this needs to be qualified. He's also a Kantian in some respects, as he always does his duty (saves lives), not to mention has some virtues (leads an examined life, constantly questions his theories and changes them if the facts prove otherwise). If you find Dr. House similar to a car wreck (we have to look), you'll love this book. As are all the books in this pop culture series, they are deep, written by philosophical scholars who offer unique insights into the show. (You'll find the Monty Python and Family Guy books from this series reviewed herein).
Ron B wrote this review Sunday, April 26 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
It's no secret that House is a misanthrope and believes, as Jean-Paul Sartre wrote, "Hell is other people." You'll also learn how the show is modeled after Sherlock Holmes, and how Dr. Wilson's initials are the same as Watson, Sherlock's sidekick. There's a great chapter on "moral luck" asking if doctors aren't blameworthy when they get it wrong, how do we justify praising them when they get it right? Another chapter explores the Principle of Sufficient Reason, which states that there is rational explanation for every event, along with a critical look at Occam's Razor. House as Zen is explored in another.
I found the chapter feminist ethics completely ridiculous. Gender is not an academic discipline. Feel free to skip chapter 10. There's an excellent chapter on the virtue of eccentricity, which House certainly is. Is House's fate, similar to all mad geniuses, to self-destruct? We'll have to continue watching to see. If you are a fan of this show who is also interested in morality and ethics, this is a worthwhile read.”
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