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Plato on Pop

Philosophy and pop culture

Philosophy
Why "Oppenheimer" Is a Philosophical Film

David Kyle Johnson Ph.D. on August 4, 2023

"Oppenheimer" raises philosophical questions about the use and development of nuclear weapons. How much should we worry about nuclear war today

"Oppenheimer" raises philosophical questions about the use and development of nuclear weapons. How much should we worry about nuclear war today

Resilience
Beyond Resilience With Metallica

William Irwin Ph.D. on May 2, 2022

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

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

Suicide
Songs of Subtle Suicide From Metallica

William Irwin Ph.D. on April 26, 2022

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

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

Suicide
Metallica’s Song of Suicide

William Irwin Ph.D. on April 19, 2022

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

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

Sex
Confessions of a Metal God

William Irwin Ph.D. on October 7, 2020

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.

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.

Free Will
Is Tenet’s Fatalism an Excuse to Do Nothing?

David Kyle Johnson Ph.D. on September 24, 2020

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.

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.

Free Will
Tenet: Nolan's Masterpiece on Fatalism and Free Will

David Kyle Johnson Ph.D. on September 15, 2020

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.

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.

Media
On Sequels & Reboots: Defending The Force Awakens

David Kyle Johnson Ph.D. on February 2, 2016

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.

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.

Religion
Star Wars: Answering the Big Questions

David Kyle Johnson Ph.D. on January 27, 2016

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.

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.

Punishment
Watching Star Wars the Right Way

David Kyle Johnson Ph.D. on November 25, 2015

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?

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?

Consumer Behavior
It’s Tax Day

William Irwin Ph.D. on September 14, 2015

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?

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?

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

William Irwin Ph.D. on June 24, 2015

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?

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?