Plato on Pop

Philosophy and pop culture

by William Irwin, Ph.D., and David Kyle Johnson, Ph.D.

Inception and Philosophy: Taking a Leap of Faith

Cobb called Mall to take a leap of faith and lay her head on the train tracks, but wouldn’t return the favor when she asked him to jump out the window. Clearly, a leap of faith is not always a good idea—but is it ever a good idea? Read More

Tim Tebow, the Problem of Evil and Divinely Bestowed Touchdowns

Tim Tebow thinks that God is granting him touchdowns and his team wins. But does such a notion even make philosophical sense? Instead of a gateway to faith, might it be an obstacle? Read More

Inception and Philosophy: Life Is But a Dream

If we can’t tell whether Cobb is dreaming, can we tell whether we are dreaming? How can one deal with the angst raised by the skeptical problem? Read More

Inception and Philosophy: It Was All Just a Dream

After Inception, everyone wondered, “Did the top fall.” They should have been wondering whether the entire movie was a dream…because it probably was. Read More

Turn it Up to 11 and Celebrate National Metal Day

No other genre of popular music inspires the level of devotion that metal does. And there’s a reason for that. Metal isn’t just music. For many fans it’s a religion, a way of life, a philosophy, if you will. Read More

Inception and Philosophy: Did the Spinning Top Fall?

A year and a half later, people are still talking about Inception—one of the greatest movies ever made. Did the top fall? Let me put this question to rest so we can get to some of the more pressing philosophical questions that the movie raises. Read More

Lou Reed and Metallica: Existentialist Brothers in Black

Existentialism may be difficult to define, but LULU lets you hear it loud and clear. Read More

Loving Radiohead: Enlightened Musical Taste or Irrationality?

I have discovered that my love of Radiohead is irrational. But I think it may also be one of the the very few exceptions where irrationality is acceptable. Read More

Moneyball: It’s Intuition vs. Evidence

Moneyball tells the story of the conflict between evidence and intuition. Can your gut justify your belief that something is true, or should you instead rely on evidence and proportion your belief accordingly? Whether you want to break the “Curse of the Bambino” or win at the game of life, the answer is the same. Go with the evidence. Read More

E-books and Forgetting What to Read

I know I’ve forgotten to listen to music downloaded to my iPod, and I don’t want to forget to read books that I’ve bought. I need to see them. Read More

Prince William’s Bald Spot Shines at the Royal Wedding

It’s time for a revolution. Bald-spotters of the world unite! We have nothing to lose but our hair! Read More

Can Television Shows Become Classics?

Popular culture has the bad reputation of being disposable junk that is used and forgotten. Dramas last better than comedies, and the way a show ends affects its legacy. But quality is the main reason that some shows survive and may become classics. Read More

TiVo, or Not TiVo? That Is the Question

I’ll never TiVo a sporting event. The metaphysical fact that the game is finished, that the winner and the score are determined, makes watching the game unappealing to me. But why don’t I TiVo THE OFFICE? Read More

Re-viewing Movies and the “Already-scene”

Reception depends largely on expectations. So why do we re-view movies and television programs? Does an “already scene” the shower stabbing in Psycho diminish our enjoyment of a movie? Read More

What The Adjustment Bureau Tells Us About Free Will

The Adjustment Bureau seems to be a movie about the triumph of free will. But looks can be deceiving. Read More

How The Adjustment Bureau Threatens Free WIll

The Adjustment Bureau implies a mechanistic view of humanity. But why are academics endorsing this view? And why might it threaten free will? Read More

Inception Wins Plato’s Academy Award

Inception has been nominated in eight Oscar categories, including best picture. Unfortunately, it won't win. The Hollywood crowd just doesn't appreciate philosophy. But, if they gave an Oscar for philosophical depth, call it "Plato's Academy Award," Inception would take home the statue. Read More

Will Watson Put Humanity in Jeopardy?

Now that Watson conquered the world’s best and brightest, what is next? The world itself? Read More

Watson in Philosophical Jeopardy?

Last night, a computer took on the best Jeopardy players ever. Did it win? Did it demonstrate true linguistic understanding? Does it have a mind? Read More