The Office and Philosophy: Scenes from the Unexamined Life

What an amazing book! For anyone who LOVES "The Office" (either UK of US version), has ever had full-on intellectual discussions about it, maybe even felt a little dirty for having those discussions. For anyone who has ever wondered if these characters, or if any show, is worth so much mulling over and picking apart. The clear answer is a resounding "YES!" Intellectuals rejoice, you have found a place where all of those theories and ideas you've had are on paper. Sure, you might not agree with some of the essays, but isn't that the joy of intellectual discourse? If you buy this book, you might want to buy 2 or find a friend who would also be inclined to read it so you have someone to discuss the contents with as you read. Just to recap what this book is: it is an anthology of academic papers on different moral and ethical issues and situations that are brought to light in both the UK and US versions of "The Office." It is a very clever, well thought, well chosen, and well organized anthology. Please note though, that I give this book a 5 out of 5 IF you are a fan of "The Office" and IF you are a fan of intellectual discourse. If not: forget it, move on, start with the show on DVD and work your way up.

This is the first book I have read from the Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture Series. I am especially impressed with the very high degree of intellectual integrity and sophistication maintained throughout. The philosophy promised in the title is not glossed over or dumbed-down for a general audience. Yet, this book is eminently comprehensible and entertaining to the lay person (e.g., me). If you like to analyze shows that possess depth and subtlety, as "the office" no doubt does, you will not be disappointed here!