Eric J. Silverman - The Ultimate Game of Thrones and Philosophy: You Think or Die

Acclaim, Applause, and Appreciation for

The Ultimate Game of Thrones and Philosophy!

Game of Thrones isnt just beautiful and exhilarating. Its deep, and this collection of essays shows it. From investigations of the ethics of violence and sexuality to reflections on matters of faith, knowledge, and political power, this volume, like Game of Thrones itself, collects a vast world of thought and feeling. It does so, too, in a way thats both fascinating and accessible. The North may remember, but the authors of these chapters know how to think! Winters coming, so sharpen not only your swords but also your ideas.

PETER S. FOSL, Professor and Chair of Philosophy, Transylvania University

Just as the three-eyed raven appears to Bran Stark in his vision-dreams, inspiring his quest beyond the wall to the cave where his body resides, this book shall stimulate, counsel, and enlighten the reader about the multifarious philosophical themes at work in the people who battle for the Iron Throne of the Seven Kingdoms. Its fire for the passionate soul and food for thought. After all, dont forget, winter is coming!

KIMBERLY BALTZER-JARAY, author of Doorway to the World of Essences (2011) and contributor to Clear and Present Thinking: A Handbook in Logic and Rationality (2013)

A highly addictive show deserves a highly addictive analysis. The Ultimate Game of Thrones and Philosophy is the definitive source for all of us who didnt want the experience to end with viewing but arent satisfied with the ordinary water-cooler banter. Although this volume doesnt include nearly as much gratuitous nudity or violence (or any for that matter) it is the essential Game of Thrones companion.

DANIEL MIORI, author and medical practitioner

In a world where you never really know whom you can trust, and losing is never an option, it pays to have a reliable guide on hand at all times. If you cant call on Tyrion Lannister, then this book is your guide. Its filled with clear-cut answers to the exhausting range of philosophical questions raised in Game of Thrones. Youll soon be sitting on your very own Iron Thronewith one sword for each question!

JOHN V. KARAVITIS, CPA, MBA, popular writer on pop culture and philosophy

The Ultimate Game of Thrones and Philosophy traverses the vast lands of Westeros and the territory north of the Wall and across the Narrow Sea to examine, among other things, who may be truly worthy to sit on the Iron Throne. Like any mega-popular television franchise, Game of Thrones tells us just as much about ourselves as about the fictional kings, queens, bastards, and broken things who populate this world.

The maesters of this book help us understand why we love this showand the books on which it is basedso much, even when it frustrates or disturbs us. You dont have to travel to the Citadel or pray to the old gods and the new to gain insight into the human condition so aptly depicted by Game of Thrones and the thirty-one chapters in this scholarly tome.

JASON T. EBERL, Semler Endowed Chair for Medical Ethics, Professor of Philosophy, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Marian University

The best of fantasy is rooted in reality, and in Westeros we find ourselves, our demons (aka the Lannisters), and our better angels, even if the latter are quite rare, and named Jon Snow. The authors in this book use Game of Thrones to explore our shared human condition. From Jon Snow as moral exemplar to the redemption of the Hound, readers will learn about themselves by engaging their favorite, and most hated, residents of the Seven Kingdoms. Westeros should look familiar, its our worlda world of injustice and cruelty. But its also a world of redemption, sacrifice, honor, and integrity. All this is captured in The Ultimate Game of Thrones and Philosophy.

JACOB M. HELD, Director of the UCA Core, Associate Professor of Philosophy, Department of Philosophy and Religion, University of Central Arkansas

The Ultimate Game of Thrones and Philosophy takes the reader on a fascinating journey through the Seven Kingdoms with critical essays including those on the humor of Tyrion, why we love to hate Joffrey, questioning the meaning of prophecy for Daenerys and Stannis, the misshapen Christ analogs in Jon Snows resurrection, Brienne of Tarth and feminine recognition, the ambiguity of Jaime Lannister as sinner and savior, and whether Samwell Tarly will save them all by delving into the Citadel library in Oldtown. Readers will enjoy exploring deeper thinking on their favorite characters and the major themes of the series up to and including Season Six.

PATRICIA L. BRACE, Professor of Art, Southwest Minnesota State University

A must read for any fan of Game of Thrones who has the slightest interest in philosophy. From morality, politics, sex, and the family in Westeros to the philosophy of art as it relates to the Game of Thrones saga, this book covers a wide variety of philosophically interesting subjects in thirty-one provocative and entertaining essays.

GREG LITTMANN, Associate Professor of Philosophy, Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville

In unfolding the philosophical issues raised by Game of Thrones, this book is crucial for anyone prowling the seven kingdoms. Find out with Freud about the true meaning of our hate for vile Joffrey and what Karl Marx has to say on whos really pulling the strings in Westeros. Apart from solving Varyss riddle, the authors also shed light on the moral significance of characters like Bran and Aemon. And with their guidelines on when (and whom!) to trust in times of treachery, the Iron Throne will soon be yours!

JANELLE PTZSCH, Ruhr-University Bochum, co-editor of Dracula and Philosophy: Dying to Know (2015)

Game of Thrones is an intense fantasy thriller that is, at its heart, an intellectual show, and its hardcore fans appreciate its cerebral core. Thats why any dedicated fan of the show will become engrossed in the thought-provoking chapters of The Ultimate Game of Thrones and Philosophy,