William Irwin Ph.D.

About

William Irwin, Ph.D., is a Professor of Philosophy at King's College in Pennsylvania and an APPA Certified Philosophical Counselor. He is the author of the novel Little Siddhartha: A Sequel and other books including God Is a Question, Not an Answer. Irwin originated the philosophy and popular culture genre of books with Seinfeld and Philosophy in 1999. Irwin has also co-edited The Simpsons and Philosophy and edited The Matrix and Philosophy, Metallica and Philosophy, and Black Sabbath and Philosophy. He is currently the General Editor of The Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture Series.

Books by William Irwin Ph.D.

Recent Posts

Freedom and Shame in Addiction

Owen Flanagan argues that addicts are free and that self-directed shame about their behavior can help motivate them to recover. Jean-Paul Sartre can strengthen Flanagan’s case.

Nathan Fielder’s "Rehearsal" and Stoic Visualization

The Stoics didn't advocate play acting, but Nathan Fielder does. Rehearsing is one step beyond visualizing in the process of becoming a better version of yourself.

The Socratic Method Versus Motivational Interviewing

The confrontational conversational style of Socrates can put people on the defensive and leave them feeling resentful. Motivational interviewing is a welcome alternative.

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.

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.

We Won’t Forget You, Ozzy

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

Hiding with Zombie Guts

Hiding well does not necessarily mean hiding totally. We need to choose wisely.

Searching the Stars for Transcendence and Faith

Science rests on the unprovable claims, but nothing like the experience of faith is required to believe those fundamental yet defeasible claims.