What do you think?
Rate this book
Black Mirror and Philosophy: Dark Reflections
A philosophical look at the twisted, high-tech near-future of the sci-fi anthology series Black Mirror, offering a glimpse of the darkest reflections of the human condition in digital technology
Black Mirror―the Emmy-winning Netflix series that holds up a dark, digital mirror of speculative technologies to modern society--shows us a high-tech world where it is all too easy to fall victim to ever-evolving forms of social control.In Black Mirror and Philosophy, original essays written by a diverse group of scholars invite you to peer into the void and explore the philosophical, ethical, and existential dimensions of Charlie Brooker's sinister stories. The collection reflects Black Mirror's anthology structure by pairing a chapter with every episode in the show's five seasons--including an interactive, choose-your-own-adventure analysis of Bandersnatch--and concludes with general essays that explore the series' broader themes. Chapters address questions about artificial intelligence, virtual reality, surveillance, privacy, love, death, criminal behavior, and politics,
Have we given social media too much power over our lives? Could heaven really, one day, be a place on Earth? Should criminal justice and punishment be crowdsourced? What rights should a "cookie" have? Immersive, engaging, and experimental, Black Mirror and Philosophy navigates the intellectual landscape of Brooker's morality plays for the modern world, where humanity's greatest innovations and darkest instincts collide.
Black Mirror―the Emmy-winning Netflix series that holds up a dark, digital mirror of speculative technologies to modern society--shows us a high-tech world where it is all too easy to fall victim to ever-evolving forms of social control.In Black Mirror and Philosophy, original essays written by a diverse group of scholars invite you to peer into the void and explore the philosophical, ethical, and existential dimensions of Charlie Brooker's sinister stories. The collection reflects Black Mirror's anthology structure by pairing a chapter with every episode in the show's five seasons--including an interactive, choose-your-own-adventure analysis of Bandersnatch--and concludes with general essays that explore the series' broader themes. Chapters address questions about artificial intelligence, virtual reality, surveillance, privacy, love, death, criminal behavior, and politics,
Have we given social media too much power over our lives? Could heaven really, one day, be a place on Earth? Should criminal justice and punishment be crowdsourced? What rights should a "cookie" have? Immersive, engaging, and experimental, Black Mirror and Philosophy navigates the intellectual landscape of Brooker's morality plays for the modern world, where humanity's greatest innovations and darkest instincts collide.
384 pages, ebook
Published December 3, 2019
52 people are currently reading
447 people want to read
About the author
William Irwin
161books118followersWilliam Irwin is Professor of Philosophy at King's College in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania and is best known for originating the "philosophy and popular culture" book genre with Seinfeld and Philosophy: A Book about Everything and Nothing (1999) and The Simpsons and Philosophy: The D'oh! of Homer (2001).
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
March 30, 2023
Reflections and lessons learned:
“…there’s no cure for the internet…”
Sometimes, for me, books need several long quotes to be representative of the content. This one is simply covered by the above though - there’s no turning back for humanity now.
There’s a very silly and non stalker part of me, that still after all these years thinks that I’d fall in love with Charlie Brooker instantly if we were ever to be in the same vicinity. Coincidentally as I now look across the pillows at my satirical, sarcastic, fiercely intelligent husband with wayward hair and a permanent almost sneering stubble: a man who loves a good hypothetical debate and who’s mind can jump to the imaginable without suffering too much post apocalyptic dread to quash the idea back into the box of never to be thought of, not good brain activity… you may say they have potential for psychopathic tendencies if judged by another times standards/take away the kooky hair… but they’re not the only ones…
I’d had this book on my list for a while after loving the series, and it was so much more than I’d originally anticipated. Structured first by episode, and then by theme, each part is broken down and presented as ‘what if’ style synopses and reviews. If you loved the show, and have a spare 17 hours, this felt like an academic course on the mind of Brooker and the other writers and directors, and the social settings for each toe curling moment. So many times I changed my mind on the favourite episode after hearing the analyses - I don’t think elements that I overlooked necessarily, but now viewed at a different life point, with more real life contextualisation for the tech dreams/nightmares advancements.
Yes, now I’ve gone through this of course I’m going back through and rewatching each episode, and commenting to my cynic on the sofa about what could/should be happening next. Favourite? We’ll it’s metalhead for the sheer baron tech horror… no, it’s fifteen million merits for the cowel-esque mass manipulation… no it’s white bear for the inhumanity from humanity… no it’s hated in the nation for the sting in the tail… no it’s bandersnatch for the concept and amazing Poulter acting… no it’s San Junipero for the fashion, music and delicate brave hearts… no, it’s striking vipers for the tackling of an under covered storyline for a dystopian male aimed show… no it’s Smithereens for the responsibility, blame and the Scott. I don’t think it can ever come back as a series, and I don’t think that it will be studied in 40 years time, but boy what a ride to attempt to broach some of the morality behind screens… and still I’m singing un deux trois - take a look people📱
“…there’s no cure for the internet…”
Sometimes, for me, books need several long quotes to be representative of the content. This one is simply covered by the above though - there’s no turning back for humanity now.
There’s a very silly and non stalker part of me, that still after all these years thinks that I’d fall in love with Charlie Brooker instantly if we were ever to be in the same vicinity. Coincidentally as I now look across the pillows at my satirical, sarcastic, fiercely intelligent husband with wayward hair and a permanent almost sneering stubble: a man who loves a good hypothetical debate and who’s mind can jump to the imaginable without suffering too much post apocalyptic dread to quash the idea back into the box of never to be thought of, not good brain activity… you may say they have potential for psychopathic tendencies if judged by another times standards/take away the kooky hair… but they’re not the only ones…
I’d had this book on my list for a while after loving the series, and it was so much more than I’d originally anticipated. Structured first by episode, and then by theme, each part is broken down and presented as ‘what if’ style synopses and reviews. If you loved the show, and have a spare 17 hours, this felt like an academic course on the mind of Brooker and the other writers and directors, and the social settings for each toe curling moment. So many times I changed my mind on the favourite episode after hearing the analyses - I don’t think elements that I overlooked necessarily, but now viewed at a different life point, with more real life contextualisation for the tech dreams/nightmares advancements.
Yes, now I’ve gone through this of course I’m going back through and rewatching each episode, and commenting to my cynic on the sofa about what could/should be happening next. Favourite? We’ll it’s metalhead for the sheer baron tech horror… no, it’s fifteen million merits for the cowel-esque mass manipulation… no it’s white bear for the inhumanity from humanity… no it’s hated in the nation for the sting in the tail… no it’s bandersnatch for the concept and amazing Poulter acting… no it’s San Junipero for the fashion, music and delicate brave hearts… no, it’s striking vipers for the tackling of an under covered storyline for a dystopian male aimed show… no it’s Smithereens for the responsibility, blame and the Scott. I don’t think it can ever come back as a series, and I don’t think that it will be studied in 40 years time, but boy what a ride to attempt to broach some of the morality behind screens… and still I’m singing un deux trois - take a look people📱
May 17, 2021
The Netflix series has received high praise and this book was able to dissect each episode and explain what makes "Black Mirror" so excellent. While some chapters were a bit more long-winded than others, Black Mirror and Philosophy: Dark Reflections was comprehensive and easy to understand. The book cited several psychological and philosophical studies which were insightful and educational. Even though I had an inkling of the societal issues being uncovered by Black Mirror episodes, this book was able to put my thoughts to words in such a clear way - I found myself nodding my head in agreement a lot.
All in all, this was a very interesting read and I recommend it to anyone who wants to explore "Black Mirror" or philosophy on a deeper level.
This book left me more in awe of the amazing Netflix series and with a reflective perception of our technologically advanced, fast-changing world.
All in all, this was a very interesting read and I recommend it to anyone who wants to explore "Black Mirror" or philosophy on a deeper level.
This book left me more in awe of the amazing Netflix series and with a reflective perception of our technologically advanced, fast-changing world.
September 25, 2024
As a massive fan of Black Mirror, I found this to be an interesting breakdown on the implications of technology on humanity and after reading this, am excited to rewatch this with a more discerning eye.
April 21, 2021
This book is a must read for fans of the Netflix series “Black Mirror”. The series and book delve into a mix of science fiction, technological uncertainty, and a range of perplexing philosophical questions. It was fascinating to read the philosophical viewpoints of well known philosophers and how they would have approached some of the scenarios presented in Black Mirror. There is so much detail about human psychology that reading the book made me realize that I missed some important themes that the show was trying to present. The book will definitely make the reader examine their own philosophical motives and think about what the future will hold.
April 1, 2021
An amazing range of academic essays analysing the episodes of Black Mirror - namely technological advancement and they ways it may be used to weaponise and cause destruction in society, whilst debating the ethics and morals of each story. If you love Black Mirror, this is such a compelling collection to spend time reading. I wish there were more books about TV shows like this.
August 3, 2022
I like Black Mirror. I like learning about philosophy. I thought this would be great. While it was interesting to read about each episode examined from this perspective, the book definitely goes on and on at times. Many points get repeated ad nauseum and the repetitiveness itself gets repetitive. Also, I'm torn on the last chapter where historic philosophers are in some sort of skit discussing the show. Artistically I suppose it's a creative thing to do, but it never sat well with me; it came across as cringey more than anything.
Hard to say if I'd recommend this book, probably not unless you're super into either black mirror or philosophy.
Hard to say if I'd recommend this book, probably not unless you're super into either black mirror or philosophy.
July 21, 2021
Good analysis of the philosophical ideas underpinning each episode of Black Mirror. I thought it was delivered in a simple, understandable yet thought-provoking manner.
However, perhaps because each episode was quite heavy, this book is best read in multiple sittings, per chapter or per idea.
It also acts as a good companion to the series for the more serious viewer. I went back to watch some episodes again after finishing some chapters.
However, perhaps because each episode was quite heavy, this book is best read in multiple sittings, per chapter or per idea.
It also acts as a good companion to the series for the more serious viewer. I went back to watch some episodes again after finishing some chapters.
March 12, 2020
Hard to get through for pleasure because of its sheer density, but I imagine it would be very helpful for research purposes. The citations are highly informative. I got through about 275 pages before I realized I had lost steam and couldn’t go on. But it was still good and raised some interesting points on all the episodes and Bandersnatch.
May 24, 2021
tough read - very rewarding
really gives a whole range of philosophical theories in response to the core ideas in each black mirror episode.
no need to watch all of the episodes before diving in. though i do recommend enjoying a few episodes to understand the flavour of the entire series.
really gives a whole range of philosophical theories in response to the core ideas in each black mirror episode.
no need to watch all of the episodes before diving in. though i do recommend enjoying a few episodes to understand the flavour of the entire series.
May 6, 2021
Interesting premise but way too long-winded
March 8, 2022
As an ardent fan of black mirror , this discourse of the show’s episodes was right to my alley
April 24, 2022
Brilliant book. Brilliant show.
August 30, 2022
A lot of repetition, but +1 for the early 2000s esque philosopher chat room
December 11, 2023
Mind blowing
February 19, 2024
Typical to the series, it provides philosophical insight into ourselves through the pop culture we consume.
Read
May 20, 2024Great examination of a highly philosophical Netflix series.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
Can't find what you're looking for?
Get help and learn more about the design.