Watchmen and Philosophy

A Rorschach Test

William Irwin (Series Editor), Mark D. White (Editor)

Does Dr. Manhattan really know what’s going to happen in the future?

Can we justify Ozymandias’s grand plan?

Is the Comedian actually a comedian (or just a jerk)?

Can either Silk Spectre be considered a feminist?

Does Nite Owl’s paunch actually make him virtuous?

Watchmen is the most critically acclaimed graphic novel ever published and turned the world of comic superheroes on its head. This masterpiece of realistic storytelling, dialogue, and artwork, courtesy of Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons, raises a host of compelling philosophical questions. How do Ozymandias and Rorschach justify their actions? What are the political ramifications of the Comedian’s work for the government? How do we explain the nature of Dr. Manhattan? And can a graphic novel be considered literature? Whether you’re reading Watchmen for the first time or have been a fan for more than twenty years, Watchmen and Philosophy will help you read deeper into the philosophical questions and the revolutionary story that changed comic fiction forever.

Book Information
ISBN: 978-0-470-39685-8
Paperback
240 pages
January 2009
US $17.95
Price is only valid for United States
Desk Copies

Are you an instructor? If so, you may request an evaluation copy for this title.

Excerpt Readings