South Park and Philosophy

You Know, I Learned Something Today

By: Robert Arp

Narrated by: Jay Snyder

If you think Saddam and Satan make a kinky couple, wait till you get a load of South Park and Philosophy. Get your Big Wheels ready, because we're going for a ride, as 22 philosophers take us down the road to understanding the big-picture issues in this small mountain town.

• A smart and candid look at one of television's most subversive and controversial shows
• Draws close parallels between the irreverent nature of South Park and the inquiring and skeptical approach of philosophy
• Addresses the perennial questions of the show and the contemporary social and political issues that inspire each episode
• Uses familiar characters and episodes to illustrate topics such as moral relativism, freedom of expression, gay marriage, blasphemy, democracy, feminism, animal ethics, existential questions, and much more
• Makes you laugh out loud

©2006 Robert Arp (P)2009 Tantor Audio

Okay, but less than this brilliant show deserves.

This is a sporadically interesting collection of essays examining various aspects of the wonderful South Park television series and its impact on pop culture through the prism of philosophy. Often dry and academic, it does nonetheless manage to deliver sporadic food for thought. But since each chapter is written by a different author, on a different topic, you're unlikely to enjoy the entire book equally. Topics include the show's morality, stance on feminism, religious representation, LGBT representation, and Trey Parker and Matt Stone's Libertarian values. The narration is good.