Plato on Pop

Philosophy and pop culture

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

Beyond Resilience With Metallica

Metallica’s song “Broken, Beat & Scarred” illustrates what it means to be antifragile—to rise again stronger after suffering.

Songs of Subtle Suicide From Metallica

The lyrics to the Metallica songs “Rebel of Babylon” and “Moth into Flame” illustrate the self-destructive behavior of subtle suicide.

Metallica’s Song of Suicide

Song lyrics can be therapeutic. Metallica's song “Fade to Black” provides a catharsis for suicidal feelings rather than a catalyst to suicide.

Don’t Look Up: Are Some Critics Suffering From Denial?

A Personal Perspective: Director Adam McKay has said that those who are critical of his latest movie, Don't Look Up, are in denial about the climate crisis.

The Comedy and Philosophy of the Film "Don’t Look Up"

In a world where truth can be stranger than fiction, comedy can be darker than horror.

Confessions of a Metal God

I have no gripe with Rob Halford when it comes to his sexuality. No one should. But I do have a bone to pick with him when it comes to music.

Are We Living in “The Waldo Moment”?

“The Waldo Moment” was a prescient warning about “political fandom” that we did not heed. Are we paying the price?

Is Tenet’s Fatalism an Excuse to Do Nothing?

Filmmaker Christopher Nolan uses "Tenet" to argue that fatalism is true, but also that it is merely an expression of "the mechanics of the world, not an excuse to do nothing." And he's right.

Tenet: Nolan's Masterpiece on Fatalism and Free Will

Nolan’s film TENET is a twisting time adventure that leaves one with the impression that humans don’t have free will—and that conclusion is very likely correct.

We Won’t Forget You, Ozzy

With his latest album, Ozzy Osbourne reflects on the darkest topic of all: Death.

Black Mirror and the 2020 Election: Conclusion

My final installment on "The Waldo Moment." A moment that we are likely to repeat.

Black Mirror and the 2020 Election: Political Corruption

The idea that all politicians are equally corrupt is a lie told by corrupot politicians to trick people into political complacency.

Black Mirror and the 2020 Election: The Waldo Moment

"The Waldo Moment" is not a warning about how "fake" politicians are, but a warning about how we respond to it.

'Black Mirror' and the 2020 Election

The supposedly "worst" episode of 'Black Mirror,' "The Waldo Moment," is very likely the most important.

Avengers: Endgame’s Philosophical Oversight

If Avenger's Endgame had not make this one mistake, it would have truly been a marvel!

Star War's "Solo" Delivers a Welcome Philosophical Shift

Solo: A Star Wars Story represents a major shift in how droids are depicted and treated in the Star Wars universe.

How Trump is Improving (and Ruining) Science Fiction

While Trump is making many past science fiction stories newly relevant, he is also making their happy endings less believable.

The Handmaid’s Tale, Feminism, and the Dangers of Religion

Season 2 of "The Handmaid’s Tale" starts tomorrow. Atwood says her work not feminist or anti-religious. A closer look may reveal otherwise.

“The Greatest Teacher, Failure Is.” Why Hate The Last Jedi?

The Last Jedi is out on Blu-ray today. Why was it so controversial? Was it the worst or what we needed? My failed (and successful) predictions can help answer these questions.

The Question of Contact

Can personal experience ever be used to justifiably override scientific evidence or argument?

Coming Home From War and Metallica’s “Confusion”

Though mercifully few of us have PTSD or have done a tour of duty in a combat zone, we have all been scarred. Life is a return from battle.

On Sequels & Reboots: Defending The Force Awakens

Is the plot of The Force Awakens just a rehash of the old films? Absolutely not. But appreciating that it's not only a sequel, but a reboot, can help you enjoy the similarities.

Star Wars: Answering the Big Questions

Who are Rey’s parents? Why exactly did Luke go into hiding? Who is Supreme Leader Snoke? What’s the deal with Kylo’s lightsaber? Careful reasoning might reveal the answer.

Watching Star Wars the Right Way

In what order should you watch the original saga? Release order? Episode order? Or an entirely different order altogether? And what all should you catch up on? The Clone Wars cartoon? The Zahn Novels (a.k.a. The Thrawn Trilogy)? The Holiday Special? What counts as canon?

It’s Tax Day

Imagine how people would wince and complain if they had to write a weekly, monthly, or yearly check for the full amount due in taxes. Can you feel the pain of those of us who hold on to the money we have earned for nearly three months before paying part of it in quarterly estimated taxes?

What I Would Like to Like, but Don't Like

There are lots of bands, books, shows, and movies that I unapologetically dislike. But then there are those I don’t like or dislike. I would like to like them, but I don’t. Is this category revealing of likes more honest and revealing?

Why I Believe in Bigfoot

No, I don’t believe THAT Bigfoot exists. I just believe it is possible. What’s more, I believe IN Bigfoot. I believe IN Bigfoot the way I would believe IN a friend’s innocence even if I didn’t believe THAT he was innocent. I believe IN Bigfoot precisely because I don’t believe IN much else.

Transcendence with The Boys in the Boat

Being part of something greater than ourselves not only displaces suffering but lifts us up, giving an exultant sense of purpose.

Does Santa Exist? A Review

Hollywood writer Eric Kaplan, known for his work on "The Big Bang Theory," has a book that (it's been said) uses philosophy to hilariously examine the question of Santa's existence. Unfortunately, it's ultimately just a thinly veiled attempt to argue for God's existence and his variety of Jewish Mysticism.

Interstellar, Causal Loops, and Saving Humanity

Interstellar is Nolan's latest. Many have tired to poke holes in the film, but I argue that philosophy can help us avoid some of the most troubling.

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