zhelana's review
5.0
This installment of the popular culture and philosophy books felt fresh. It didn't just rehash the same things that the other similar books talked about. It's almost as if someone actually thought about what kind of philosophy is actually suggested by the book and went with that instead of with philosophy 101. I really appreciated a chapter on game theory and when it is worth it to betray your partners in the arena since ultimately only one of you can survive. The author showed that Katniss thought about this a lot, and it was ultimately a major part of the series rather than just philosophy 101 that could be forced into the book.
There was also a chapter on disciplining the body that talked about the body modifications of the people in the Capital as a way of distracting them from the fact that they are killing children for their entertainment.
There was a chapter on Just War that specifically looked at whether the rebellion was "just" which actually concluded that it was not because of the last bomb that killed Prim and the fact that they killed the soldiers in the caves and didn't have to do that. They considered the real world effects of injust wars and how the only reason this turns out good is because it is fiction.
Over and over we see philosophy applied to major parts of the Hunger Games instead of minor details that happen to illustrate a point. It was refreshing, and I hope all of the later installments of this series are as thought provoking.
There was also a chapter on disciplining the body that talked about the body modifications of the people in the Capital as a way of distracting them from the fact that they are killing children for their entertainment.
There was a chapter on Just War that specifically looked at whether the rebellion was "just" which actually concluded that it was not because of the last bomb that killed Prim and the fact that they killed the soldiers in the caves and didn't have to do that. They considered the real world effects of injust wars and how the only reason this turns out good is because it is fiction.
Over and over we see philosophy applied to major parts of the Hunger Games instead of minor details that happen to illustrate a point. It was refreshing, and I hope all of the later installments of this series are as thought provoking.
isabellahalfdan's review
informative
reflective
slow-paced
1.5
Kinda slow, not that entertaining and a little boring. Only read if you're ready for hearing about a lot of weird Roman/Greek dead people :)
12dejamoo's review
informative
reflective
slow-paced
4.25
This was really excellent. Although I'd say to ignore the introduction because it's pretty much just a game of how many Hunger Games references can we make. But the essays themselves are super interesting even for someone with a non-existent grasp on philosophy. It did make me sad that this wasn't written after The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes though because there was so much in there that could have been referred to/explored. This is well worth a read for anyone who likes the Hunger Games and is constantly impressed by Collins' ability to craft perfectly lifelike worlds and characters.
blissyreads's review
4.0
As a huge Hunger Games fan I really enjoyed this book. The perfect book for fans of the series who want to know more about the background of the whole story.
renatasnacks's review
3.0
Like whatever, if you've read any of these "(Pop Culture) and Philosophy" volumes you probably know what this one is like. I do think the Hunger Games lends itself pretty well to this kind of academic overanalysis, if you're into that kind of thing. (Which I am. DUH.)
scarletcarnival's review
4.0
The Hunger Games and Philosophy: A Critique of Pure Treason is an interesting read. If you enjoyed The Hunger Games Trilogy, and you're interested in digging deeper into both philosophy and The Hunger Games, then this might be the book for you. For me, this volume was actually far more interesting than the trilogy itself. Topics from morality to Darwinian competition to Stoicism to Just-War theory and even identity issues are all discussed in this book. Most of the essays are well done. Some are a bit more dry than others.
Overall, it's well worth the read if you need to make connections between philosophy and pop culture, and especially if The Hunger Games is your thing.
Overall, it's well worth the read if you need to make connections between philosophy and pop culture, and especially if The Hunger Games is your thing.