Veronica Mars and Philosophy

Veronica Mars is a kick-ass private investigator, smart and street-wise. But what can her character tell us about larger life issues, such as knowledge and skepticism, trust and friendship, revenge, race, gender, and feminism? What makes her tick? And why is Logan such a sarcastic bad boy, anyway? Veronica Mars and Philosophy features a thought-provoking collection of essays centered on philosophical issues brought forth in Veronica Mars, the critically acclaimed neo-noir detective series set in the fictional town of Neptune, California. Fans and newcomers alike will gain unique insights into the philosophical make-up of a hit show that tackled both crime and some of the larger mysteries of life. Introduces significant philosophical concepts that arise in the cult TV show, Veronica Mars Tackles topics relevant to contemporary youth culture, including trust and friendship, revenge, knowledge and skepticism, race, class, gender, and feminism Offers insights into darker themes explored in the series, which is noted for the complexity and intricate plotting of its storylines Delves deeply into the psychology of Veronica Mars during her transition from high school to college Written for fans of the television show, philosophy students or readers interested in popular culture Timed for release with the highly anticipated Veronica Mars feature film

Veronica Mars is a kick-ass private investigator, smart and street-wise. But what can her character tell us about larger life issues, such as knowledge and skepticism, trust and friendship, revenge, race, gender, and feminism? What makes her tick? And why is Logan such a sarcastic bad boy, anyway?Veronica Mars and Philosophy features a thought-provoking collection of essays centered on philosophical issues brought forth in Veronica Mars, the critically acclaimed neo-noir detective series set in the fictional town of Neptune, California. Fans and newcomers alike will gain unique insights into the philosophical make-up of a hit show that tackled both crime and some of the larger mysteries of life.* Introduces significant philosophical concepts that arise in the cult TV show, Veronica Mars* Tackles topics relevant to contemporary youth culture, including trust and friendship, revenge, knowledge and skepticism, race, class, gender, and feminism* Offers insights into darker themes explored in the series, which is noted for the complexity and intricate plotting of its storylines* Delves deeply into the psychology of Veronica Mars during her transition from high school to college* Written for fans of the television show, philosophy students or readers interested in popular culture* Timed for release with the highly anticipated Veronica Mars feature film

Acknowledgments xIntroduction: The PI and the Philosophers 1Part I Veronica Mars Is Rich Dude Kryptonite: Investigating Politics and the Social Order 51 Getting Past the Velvet Ropes: Status Anxiety in Neptune 7William Irwin2 "That's Really Criminal of You": Why It May Be Okay for Veronica Mars to Break the Law 19Paul Hammond3 "Got Any Enemies You Know About?" ... "Well, There's the Klan": Race, Rancor, and Riches in Neptune, California 32Rejena SaulsberryPart II Veronica Mars Is a Triple Threat--Girl, Teenager, and Private Detective: Investigating the World of noir 454 Breaking Bad in Neptune: How "Cool Guys" Become Psychopaths 47George A. Dunn5 Noir Neptune: Genre and Gender Bending in Veronica Mars 61Daniel Wack6 "Don't Forget about Me, Veronica": Time, Memory, and Mystery in Veronica Mars 72Paul HammondPart III Veronica Mars Doesn't Hang with the Evil and Morally Bankrupt: Investigating Vice and Virtue 817 "I'm Old School, an Eye for an Eye": Veronica and Vengeance 83George A. Dunn8 "We Used to be Friends": An Aristotelian Analysis of Veronica's Friendships 96Catlyn Origitano9 Does Veronica Trust Anyone? 109Jon RobsonPart IV Veronica Mars Is No Longer That Girl: Investigating Women in Society 12310 Veronica's Trip to the Dentist: Don't Blame the Victim 125James Rocha and Mona Rocha11 "Grow a Sense of Humor, You Crazy Bitch": Veronica Mars as a Feminist Icon 136Kasey Butcher and Megan M. Peters12 On Not Being a Slut (Even When Everyone Thinks You Are) 147Jordan PascoePart V Veronica Mars Is Smarter Than Me: Investigating How and Why We Investigate 15713 "I Used to Think that Solving the Case Was the Key to Our Happiness": The Value of Truth in Veronica Mars 159Dereck Coatney14 "Have You Ever Heard of Occam's Razor?" Veronica's Use of Inductive Reasoning 170Andrew Zimmerman Jones15 "Not Pictured": What Veronica Knew but Didn't See 184Daniel A. WilkenfeldPart VI Veronica Mars Is a Marshmallow: Investigating Veronica's Quest for Identity 19916 Veronica Mars--She's a Marshmallow 201James B. SouthNotes on Contributors: Under Investigation 215Index 219