Philosophy of the Discworld

[fifteenjugglers]

I'm a casual fan of those "Philosophy of..." books, like "Philosophy of The Simpsons" and "Philosophy of Superheroes". They are generally well-written and do a great job of exploring philsophical themes through popular culture (and vice-versa).

What would people think of a "Philosophy of the Discworld" volume? There's certainly enough material in the Discworld novels. On one hand, I think it would be a fantastic idea but on the other I quite enjoy digging out the philosophical themes in Pratchett's writing myself. Having some academic do it for me might spoil the fun...

 

[Loner]

Brilliant idea. You should sound out any Pratchett websites - see what's out there and if people are interested.
No reason why you couldn't do it ... is there?

I love the philosophy of the witches - their use of "headology".

 

[bookaholic]

sounds good, do it!

 

[Ice fyre]

Go for it.

There are so many things you could do with this sounds really good. The only thing I would say is bear in mind this is comedy. Have a laugh with it and have fun.

 

[Sibeling]

It might be interesting to read such a book, but on the other hand - I can see the philosophy in the books myself, I don't need someone to point out for me: "This is all about the meaning of life, you know".

 

[Urlik]

maybe you should write to Mr P and suggest it along with some rough draughts. You never know, he may write a few chapters, with the Wizards, or preferably the Witches, to interleave between the "serious" bits as illustration

 

[Fahim]

It's an interesting idea However, the good thing about the philosophy in the Discworld novels is that it is already being illustrated to most readers through the action and the characters. I don't know how much better the philosophy of the Disc can be presented - unless of course, you do it (as suggested above) in the "Science of the Discworld" format.

 

[Dragonlady]

One must also bear in mind that a lot of passages in the discworld books seem to be written to poke fun at actual world philosophy/religion etc. (I speak as a final year philosophy student)

 

[Allegra]

pTerry has it in mind: Amazon.com: The Wit and Wisdom of Discworld: Books: Terry Pratchett

 

[DarkBunni]

the discworld series is my favourite collection of books because of each characters own philosophy and growth. particulary those of Vimes and Vetinari whose are deliciously dark at times but maintain their human side.
its all good.
I really like Terrys way of writing, how you sometimes have to dig for the moral yourself, which is why ive recommended him to all my friends and family, their begining to find me a bit annoying...