Michaud presents a collection of scholarly articles focused on various philosophical aspects of science fiction and fantasy in the works of author Terry Pratchett. The editor has organized the twenty-three selections that make up the main body of the text in five parts devoted to truth, logic, and law; the intersection of science and philosophy in Pratchetts writing; Pratchetts cosmos; and a variety of other related subjects. The editor is an English and philosophy instructor located in Jacksonville, Florida. Annotation ©2016 Ringgold, Inc., Portland, OR (protoview.com)
In Discworld, unlike our own frustrating Roundworld, everything makes sense. The world is held up by elephants standing on the back of a swimming turtle who knows where hes going, the sun goes round the world every day, so it doesnt have to be very hot, and things always happen because someone intends them to happen. Millions of fans are addicted to Pratchetts Discworld, and the interest has only intensified since Pratchetts recent death and the release of his final Discworld novel,The Shepherds Crown, in September 2015.
The philosophical riches of Discworld are inexhaustible, yet the brave explorers ofDiscworld and Philosophy cover a lot of ground. From discussion of Moist von Lipwigs con artistry showing the essential con of the financial system, to the examination of everyones favorite Discworld character, the murderous luggage, to the lawless Mac Nac Feegles and what they tell us about civil government, to the character Death as he appears in several Discworld novels,Discworld and Philosophy gives us an in-depth treatment of Pratchetts magical universe. Other chapters look at the power of Discworlds witches, the moral viewpoint of the golems, how William de Wordes newspaper illuminates the issue of censorship, how fate and luck interact to shape our lives, and why the more simple and straightforward Discworld characters are so much better at seeing the truth than those with enormous intellects but little common sense.
