The Hobbit and Philosophy – For When You′ve Lost Your Dwarves, Your Wizard and Your Way
For When You′ve Lost Your Dwarves, Your Wizard, and Your Way
Samenvatting
A philosophical exploration of J.R.R. Tolkien′s beloved classic just in time for the December 2012 release of Peter Jackson′s new film adaptation, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
J.R.R. Tolkien′s The Hobbit is one of the best–loved fantasy books of all time and the enchanting "prequel" to The Lord of the Rings. With the help of some of history′s great philosophers, this book ponders a host of deep questions raised in this timeless tale, such as: Are adventures simply "nasty, disturbing, uncomfortable things" that "make you late for dinner," or are they exciting and potentially life–changing events? What duties do friends have to one another? Should mercy be extended even to those who deserve to die?
Gives you new insights into The Hobbit′s central characters, including Bilbo Baggins, Gandalf, Gollum, and Thorin and their exploits, from the Shire through Mirkwood to the Lonely Mountain
Explores key questions about The Hobbit′s story and themes, including: Was the Arkenstone really Bilbo′s to give? How should Smaug′s treasure have been distributed? Did Thorin leave his "beautiful golden harp" at Bag–End when he headed out into the Wild? (If so, how much could we get for that on eBay?)
Draws on the insights of some of the world′s deepest thinkers, from Confucius, Plato, and Aristotle to Immanuel Kant, William Blake, and contemporary American philosopher Thomas Nagel
From the happy halls of Elrond′s Last Homely House to Gollum′s "slimy island of rock," this is a must read for longtime Tolkien fans as well as those discovering Bilbo Baggins and his adventures "there and back again" for the first time.
Specificaties
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<p>Introduction: Never Laugh at Live Philosophers 1<br /> Gregory Bassham and Eric Bronson</p>
<p>PART ONE DISCOVER YOUR INNER TOOK</p>
<p>1 The Adventurous Hobbit 7<br /> Gregory Bassham</p>
<p>2 The Road Goes Ever On and On : A Hobbit s Tao 20<br /> Michael C. Brannigan</p>
<p>3 Big Hairy Feet: A Hobbit s Guide to Enlightenment 32<br /> Eric Bronson</p>
<p>4 Bilbo Baggins: The Cosmopolitan Hobbit 45<br /> Dennis Knepp</p>
<p>PART TWO THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE SLIMY</p>
<p>5 The Glory of Bilbo Baggins 61<br /> Charles Taliaferro and Craig Lindahl–Urben</p>
<p>6 Pride and Humility in The Hobbit 74<br /> Laura Garcia</p>
<p>7 My Precious : Tolkien on the Perils of Possessiveness 90<br /> Anna Minore and Gregory Bassham</p>
<p>8 Tolkien s Just War 103<br /> David Kyle Johnson</p>
<p>9 Pretty Fair Nonsense : Art and Beauty in The Hobbit 118<br /> Philip Tallon</p>
<p>10 Hobbitus Ludens: Why Hobbits Like to Play and Why We Should, Too 129<br /> David L. O Hara</p>
<p>PART THREE RIDDLES AND RINGS</p>
<p>11 The Lord of Magic and Machines : Tolkien on Magic and Technology 147<br /> W. Christopher Stewart</p>
<p>12 Inside The Hobbit: Bilbo Baggins and the Paradox of Fiction 161<br /> Amy Kind</p>
<p>13 Philosophy in the Dark: The Hobbit and Hermeneutics 176<br /> Tom Grimwood</p>
<p>PART FOUR BEING THERE AND BACK AGAIN</p>
<p>14 Some Hobbits Have All the Luck 193<br /> Randall M. Jensen</p>
<p>15 The Consolation of Bilbo: Providence and Free Will in Middle–Earth 206<br /> Grant Sterling</p>
<p>16 Out of the Frying Pan: Courage and Decision Making in Wilderland 218<br /> Jamie Carlin Watson</p>
<p>17 There and Back Again: A Song of Innocence and Experience 235<br /> Joe Kraus</p>
<p>CONTRIBUTORS: Our Most Excellent and Audacious Contributors 251</p>
<p>INDEX: The Moon Letters 257</p>