Klaus
What does the 2019 animated film, which presents an original retelling of the origins of the Santa Claus myth, tell us about mixed motivations when it comes to moral behavior? How does the character arc of Jesper as well as the children of the town of Sme
Tokyo Godfathers
What does this Japanese animated film, set during the Christmas season, tell us about family? How does the character arc of the ersatz family of homeless individuals who have found an abandoned infant illustrate the sometimes highly frictional dynamics of
Black Hawk Down
What does this 2001 film, concerning a complex military operation to take two lieutenants of a Somali warlord, tell us about the complexities of peace-keeping operations and military operations in heavily populated urban environments? What does it tell us
Dune
What does this 2021 film adaptation of the 1965 Frank Herbert novel attempt to portray in terms of the predestination of Paul Atreides and his evolving attitude toward the leadership role toward which he is being groomed? Do Paul’s visions of his own futu
Net Worth
What does this story, set in 1957 Detroit tell us about the efforts of Ted Lindsey to unionize the players of the ‘original six’ teams of the NHL? How does the monopoly power over US teams, such as the Redwings and Blackhawks held by the Norris family ill
The Least Abhorrent Choice?
The Least Abhorrent Choice? When gaging the morality of the use of atomic weapons to end the Asia Pacific War, one of the things we are obliged to consider is the likely consequences of other options available at the time. We should project their likely efficacy with regard to bringing about timely capitulation with a […]
Why Movies to Teach Philosophy?
A ‘stock in trade’ of philosophical literature is the striking thought experiment. A staple in ethics and law courses is the written case study. The pedagogical advantage of these tools is twofold: They allow us to formulate and hone theoretic systems and guide practical applications of those philosophical paradigms. They also provide avenues through which […]
Get Out
How does this horror/suspense film engage with recent philosophical thought experiments having to do with brain transplants and issues of personal identity? How does producer/director Jordan Peele utilize awkwardness in white/black relations to build susp
THE HATE U GIVE
What does W.E.B Dubois’ concept of ‘double consciousness’ tell us about the main character Starr Carter, and life as a black American? What does it tell us about recent police shootings of unarmed black men? What does THUGLIFE mean? Is the message of The