A philosophical exploration of the entire seven-book Harry Potter series Harry Potter has been heralded as one of the most popular book series of all time and the philosophical nature of Harry, Hermione, and Ron's quest to rid the world of its ultimate evil is one of the many things that make this series special. The Ultimate Harry Potter and Philosophy covers all seven titles in J.K. Rowling's groundbreaking series and takes fans back to Godric's Hollow to discuss life after death, to consider what moral reasoning drove Harry to choose death, and to debate whether Sirius Black is a man or a dog. With publication timed to coincide with the release of the movie Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Part 1), this book will be the definitive guide for all fans looking to appreciate the series on a deeper level.
* Covers a range of intriguing topics such as the redemption of Severus Snape, the power of love, and destiny in the wizarding world * Gives you a new perspective on Harry Potter characters, plot lines, and themes * Makes a perfect companion to the Harry Potter books and movies Packed with interesting ideas and insights, The Ultimate Harry Potter and Philosophy is an ideal companion for anyone interested in unraveling the subtext and exploring the greater issues at work in the story.
Table of Contents
Acknowledgments. Foreword by Tom Morris. Introduction: Harry Potter and the Enchantment of Philosophy. Part One: The Horcrux of the Matter: Destiny, Identity, and the Soul. 1. Scott Sehon: The Soul in Harry Potter. 2. Eric Saidel: Sirius Black: Man or Dog? 3. Jeremy Pierce: Destiny in the Wizarding World. Part Two: The Most Powerful Magic of All. 4. Catherine Jack and David Paul Deavel: Choosing Love: The Redemption of Severus Snape. 5. Gregory Bassham: Love Potion #9 . 6. Anne Collins Smith: Harry Potter, Radical Feminism, and the Power of Love. Part Three: Potterwatch: Freedom and Politics. 7. Andrew P. Mills: Patriotism, House Loyalty, and the Obligations of Belonging . 8. Beth Admiraal and Regan Lance Reitsma: Dumbledore's Politics. 9. David Lay Williams and Alan J. Kellner: Dumbledore, Plato, and the Lust for Power. Part Four: The Room of Requirement: A Potter Potpourri. 10. Tamar Szabo Gendler: Is Dumbledore Gay? Who's to Say? 11. Gregory Bassham: Choices vs. Abilities: Dumbledore on Self-Understanding. 12. S. Joel Garver: The Magic of Personal Transformation. 13. John Granger with Gregory Bassham: Just in Your Head? J. K. Rowling on Separating Reality from Illusion . 14. Amy Kind: A Pensieve for Your Thoughts? Harry Potter and the Magic of Memory. 15. Gregory Bassham: A Hogwarts Education: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. Part Five: Beyond the Veil: Death, Hope, and Meaning. 16. Charles Taliaferro: The Real Secret of the Phoenix: Moral Regeneration through Death. 17. Jonathan L. Walls and Jerry L. Walls: Beyond Godric's Hollow: Life after Death and the Search for Meaning. 18. Michael W. Austin: Why Harry and Socrates Decide to Die: Virtue and the Common Good. Contributors: The Hogwarts (for Muggles) Faculty. The Marauders' Index.
