Woody Allen and Philosophy

Woody Allencomedian, writer, director, actor, musician, and deep thinkeris clearly trying to tell us something, but what? And why should we care? Fifteen philosophers representing different viewpoints give us their answers, focussing on different Woody Allen works and varied aspects of his multifaceted output. Everyone who wears glasses, and must therefore be an intellectual, will want to find out: ·how Schopenhauer’s theory of humor is exemplified in Annie Hall; ·why, for all his apparent pessimism, Woody gives us a brighter alternative to the Bogartian nihilism of film noir; ·that when we watch a Woody Allen movie, the movie is watching us; ·the part played by music in advancing Woody’s philosophical arguments; ·why hedonism is hazardous to your health, a warning from A Midsummer Night’s Sex Comedy; ·how Crimes and Misdemeanors can have the nerve to tell us we have to act justly, despite the fact that injustice will win; ·that the Earth may be swallowed by a black hole and crushed to the size of a pea, yet this won’t prevent your toilet from overflowing; ·the importance of integrity for the Good life, as demonstrated in Manhattan; ·whether Zelig can help us understand the origins of mass atrocities; ·that just because the universe is meaningless and life is pointless is no reason to commit suicide.

Fifteen philosophers representuing different schools of thought answer the question what is Woody Allen trying to say in his films? And why should anyone care?Focusing on different works and varied aspects of Allen's multifaceted output, these essays explore the philosophical undertones of Anne Hall, Crimes and Misdemeanors, Manhattan, A Midsummer Night's Sex Comedy and reminds us that just because the universe is meaningless and life is pointless is no reason to commit suicide.