David Brent, philosopher
Academics examine the wisdom in The Office
David Brent has become an inspiration to a host of philosophers, who have written a new academic tome on The Office And Philosophy.The book, subtitled Scenes From The Unexamined Life, has been compiled by J. Jeremy Wisnewski, an assistant professor of philosophy at New York’s Hartwick College. His previous works include Wittgenstein And Ethical Inquiry: A Defense Of Ethics As Clarification.
Contributors from academic institutions across the globe have contributed essays, which aim to use both the British and American versions of the show to explore the abstract world of philosophy.
Chapter titles include The Virtues Of Humour: What The Office Can Teach Us About Aristotle’s Ethics; Laughter Between Distraction and Awakening – Marxist Themes In The Office; and Leaving The Dice Alone – Pointlessness And Helplessness at Wernham-Hogg.
Ricky Gervais said: ‘I didn’t realise what I genius I was till I read this book.’
But then he added: ‘I did realise – and I haven’t read the book.’
The Office And Philosophy will be published in the States by Blackwell in March, priced $17.95. Click here to pre-order from Amazon UK.
Published: 16 Jan 2008
