Dean Kowalski - The Big Bang Theory and Philosophy: Rock, Paper, Scissors, Aristotle, Locke (The Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture Series)

CONTENTS

The Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture Series

Series Editor: William Irwin

South Park and Philosophy

Edited by Robert Arp

Metallica and Philosophy

Edited by William Irwin

Family Guy and Philosophy

Edited by J. Jeremy Wisnewski

The Daily Show and Philosophy

Edited by Jason Holt

Lost and Philosophy

Edited by Sharon Kaye

24 and Philosophy

Edited by Jennifer Hart Weed, Richard Davis, and Ronald Weed

Battlestar Galactica and Philosophy

Edited by Jason T. Eberl

The Office and Philosophy

Edited by J. Jeremy Wisnewski

Batman and Philosophy

Edited by Mark D. White and Robert Arp

House and Philosophy

Edited by Henry Jacoby

Watchmen and Philosophy

Edited by Mark D. White

X-Men and Philosophy

Edited by Rebecca Housel and J. Jeremy Wisnewski

Terminator and Philosophy

Edited by Richard Brown and Kevin Decker

Heroes and Philosophy

Edited by David Kyle Johnson

Twilight and Philosophy

Edited by Rebecca Housel and J. Jeremy Wisnewski

Final Fantasy and Philosophy

Edited by Jason P. Blahuta and Michel S. Beaulieu

Alice in Wonderland and Philosophy

Edited by Richard Brian Davis

Iron Man and Philosophy

Edited by Mark D. White

True Blood and Philosophy

Edited by George Dunn and Rebecca Housel

Mad Men and Philosophy

Edited by James South and Rod Carveth

30 Rock and Philosophy

Edited by J. Jeremy Wisnewski

The Ultimate Harry Potter and Philosophy

Edited by Gregory Bassham

The Ultimate Lost and Philosophy

Edited by Sharon Kaye

Green Lantern and Philosophy

Edited by Jane Dryden and Mark D. White

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and Philosophy

Edited by Eric Bronson

Arrested Development and Philosophy

Edited by Kristopher Phillips and J. Jeremy Wisnewski

Inception and Philosophy

Edited by David Johnson

The Big Lebowski and Philosophy

Edited by Peter S. Fosl

This book is printed on acid-free paper.

Copyright 2012 by John Wiley & Sons. All rights reserved

Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Hoboken, New Jersey

Published simultaneously in Canada

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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

The big bang theory and philosophy: rock, paper, scissors, Aristotle, Locke / edited by Dean A. Kowalski.

pages cm.(The Blackwell philosophy and pop culture series; 44)

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN 978-1-118-07455-8 (pbk.); ISBN 978-1-118-22252-2 (ebk.);

ISBN 978-1-118-23641-3 (ebk.); ISBN 978-1-118-26137-8 (ebk.)

1. Big bang theory (Television program) 2. PhilosophyMiscellanea. I. Kowalski, Dean A., editor of compilation.

PN1992.77.B485B54 2012

791.4572dc23

2011043333

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

When I Write My Memoirs, You Can Expect a Very Effusive Footnoteand Perhaps a Signed Copy

Dr. Sheldon Cooper, The Electric Can Opener Fluctuation

I would like to thank all of the contributing authors. Each was a pleasure to work with, and many of them participated in voluminous e-mail exchanges and provided multiple drafts. Not one of them called me a giant dic-tator, even though I may have come close to deserving that Sheldon-esque moniker on occasion. I would also like to thank my wife, Patricia, for indulging me in yet one more philosophy and pop culture book. Her patience knows no bounds. I must note Nicholas and Cassie; although they interrupted their dads research numerous times, they also inspired me (and now flawlessly use the term Bazinga ). And Joseph Foy continues to inspire me as a colleague and a (complete) friend.

I am especially indebted to series editor Bill Irwin. Working on a book with him was one of my professional goals, and he was incredibly gracious to make it just thata collaborative effort. He gives generously of his time, enthusiasm, and expertise to make these books the best they can be. In fact, the whole Wiley team is deserving of recognition, especially Connie Santisteban.

As I was composing this volume, I was often reminded of the countless hours I had spent with my siblings in front of the television, giggling at shows like The Big Bang Theory . I dedicate this book to them and all the happy memories we shared as kids:

To Amber, Beth, and Corey

INTRODUCTION

Unraveling the Mysteries

Dean A. Kowalski

It took nearly fourteen billion years, but you finally hold in your hands The Big Bang Theory and Philosophy. Other bookstore browsers are perusing volumes such as Bernie Bunny Has Two Daddies Now or Jerry the Gerbil and the Bullies on the Bus , but they lack the basic social skills that you and I take for granted. Those dumbasses will probably buy a different book. But not you. Youll buy this one because you sit at the cool tablefo shizzle. With receipt in hand, youll run home like the Flash, pour your favorite bowl of cereal (with a quarter cup of milk), and find your favorite spot on the couch.

There are books that debate math, science, and history; there are books that help you build walls or even pyramids; there are even books that discuss Neanderthals with tools and autotrophs that drool. This book discusses philosophy, but you dont need an IQ of 187 to enjoy it. I swear to cow! As youll see, the philosophy is theoretical, but the fun is real.