Avatar and Philosophy

PHILOSOPHY/POP CULTURE

What is empathy and can the Na’vi tsaheylu
help us to achieve it?

How are mind, body, and personal identity
related for an avatar driver?

Does it take an avatar to understand and value the culture
of the Na’vi?

What can we learn from the Na’vi about respecting
the natural world?

Can religious beliefs help to foster a concern
for the environment?

James Cameron’s critically acclaimed movie Avatar was nominated for nine Academy Awards and received countless accolades for its breathtaking visuals and use of 3D technology. But beyond its cinematic splendor, can Avatar also offer us insights into environmental ethics, business ethics, empathy, disability, and the relationship between mind and body? Can getting to know the Na’vi, an alien species, enlarge our vision and help us to “see” both our world and ourselves in new ways?

Written by an esteemed group of philosophers and fellow fans, the book explains philosophical concepts in a fun and accessible manner that will appeal to all levels of readers. It explores issues such as religion, morality, aesthetics, empathy, identity, the relationship of mind and body, environmental and business ethics, technology, and just war theory. It examines a wide range of topics from James Cameron’s blockbuster, including attitudes toward nature, our responsibilities to nonhuman species, colonialism, disability, and communitarian ethics. Full of philosophical insights for even the most knowledgeable film buff, this is an engaging look at one of the most thought-provoking and popular movies of recent years.

To learn more about the Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture series, visit www.andphilosophy.com