The Ultimate Harry Potter and Philosophy: Hogwarts for Muggles

Front Cover
William Irwin, Gregory Bassham
John Wiley & Sons, Aug 13, 2010 - Philosophy - 304 pages

A philosophical exploration of the entire seven-book Harry Potter series

Harry Potter has been heralded as one of the most popular book series of all time and the philosophical nature of Harry, Hermione, and Ron's quest to rid the world of its ultimate evil is one of the many things that make this series special. The Ultimate Harry Potter and Philosophy covers all seven titles in J.K. Rowling's groundbreaking series and takes fans back to Godric's Hollow to discuss life after death, to consider what moral reasoning drove Harry to choose death, and to debate whether Sirius Black is a man or a dog.

With publication timed to coincide with the release of the movie Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Part 1), this book will be the definitive guide for all fans looking to appreciate the series on a deeper level.

  • Covers a range of intriguing topics such as the redemption of Severus Snape, the power of love, and destiny in the wizarding world
  • Gives you a new perspective on Harry Potter characters, plot lines, and themes
  • Makes a perfect companion to the Harry Potter books and movies

Packed with interesting ideas and insights, The Ultimate Harry Potter and Philosophy is an ideal companion for anyone interested in unraveling the subtext and exploring the greater issues at work in the story.

 

Contents

Harry Potter and the Enchantment
1
The Soul in Harry Potter
7
Man or Dog?
22
Destiny in the Wizarding World
35
PART
51
Love Potion No 9¾
66
Harry Potter Radical Feminism and
80
PART THREE
95
PART FOUR
141
Dumbledore
157
The Magic of Personal Transformation
172
Just in Your Head? J K Rowling
185
A Pensieve for Your Thoughts? Harry Potter
198
The Good the Bad
212
PART FIVE
227
Life after Death
246

Dumbledores Politics
113
Dumbledore Plato and the Lust for Power
128
The Hogwarts for Muggles Faculty
271
Copyright

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About the author (2010)

GREGORY BASSHAM is chair of the Philosophy Department and a professor of philosophy at King's College in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. He is coeditor of the forthcoming The Hobbit and Philosophy and has coedited The Lord of the Rings and Philosophy, The Chronicles of Narnia and Philosophy, and Basketball and Philosophy.

WILLIAM IRWIN is a professor of philosophy at King's College in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. He originated the philosophy and popular culture genre of books as coeditor of the bestselling The Simpsons and Philosophy and has overseen recent titles, including Batman and Philosophy, House and Philosophy, and Alice in Wonderland and Philosophy.

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