Rick and Morty and Philosophy

Rick and Morty and Philosophy
Author: Lester C. Abesamis
Publisher: Open Court Publishing
Total Pages: 208
Release: 2019-02-05
Genre: Philosophy
ISBN: 081269466X

The adult-oriented science-fiction cartoon series Rick and Morty, shown on Cartoon Network as part of its late-night Adult Swim feature, is famous for its nihilistic anti-hero Rick Sanchez. Rick is a character who rejects God, religion, and meaning, but who embraces science and technology. This leads to a popular show that often presents a world view favorable to science and dismissive of spirituality. It is existentialism mashed up with absurdism with a healthy (or unhealthy) dose of dick jokes thrown in. Rick and Morty and Philosophy focuses on the philosophical underpinnings of the show. The authors explain and develop ideas that are mentioned or illustrated in various episodes, so that fans can get really solid evidence for what they know already: this show is awesome and deep. Rick has access to technology that allows him to jump between dimensions or realities. He brings his grandson, Morty, along with him on these adventures, often putting Morty in mortal danger. However, Rick’s attitude is that there are an infinite number of Mortys in the multiverse, so if his Morty dies, he can always replace his Morty with another Morty from a different dimension. One question that arises is, are these Mortys really identical to each other? And if one of them dies, can he really be replaced without loss? Another character in the show is Jerry, the husband of Rick’s daughter. Jerry is a complete and total loser with no self-respect, desperate to get any kind of respect from others. Why is it so important that he has self-respect? How does his lack of self-respect affect those around him? In one adventure, Jerry finds himself in a position where he can save one of the greatest civil rights leaders in the universe whose heart is failing. Jerry can save his life by donating his penis, which is the perfect organ to match the alien’s failing heart. Does Jerry have a moral obligation to do so? Recently, ethicists such as Peter Singer and Julian Savulescu have argued that people have a moral obligation to donate a kidney to people who need one. Why wouldn’t the same apply to Jerry’s penis? Is such a donation above and beyond a moral obligation, and consequently optional, or is it a basic moral obligation and therefore required, as noted ethicists like Singer and Savulescu suggest? This volume also includes chapters that examine the experience of watching Rick and Morty. One writer argues that many of the Rick and Morty episodes induce within viewers a state of “Socratic aporia,” or confusion. Viewers are forced to reflect on their own moral beliefs about the world when characters do something that seems good but results in horrendous consequences.

The World According to Rick

The World According to Rick
Author: Rick Sanchez
Publisher: Hachette Books
Total Pages: 164
Release: 2018-09-25
Genre: Humor
ISBN: 0316485403

A must-have gift book: the wit, wisdom, and frequent diatribes of mad scientist Rick Sanchez of Adult Swim's Rick and Morty, the Emmy-winning, #1 animated series on TV. Finally, from the self-appointed "Most Intelligent Being in the Multiverse" Rick Sanchez of Rick and Morty: a mind-bending collection of his innate and acquired wisdom. Each season, Rick and his grandson Morty embark on thrilling earthly and intergalactic adventures, all for the benefit of science (and Rick's inflated ego). But what makes the depraved genius tick? Now Rick is eager to impart his unique (and sometimes disturbing) take on life, love, and everything in-between for the benefit of aspiring mad scientists everywhere. Fully illustrated with color images from the show, The World According to Rick is a collection of Rick's most famous (and not so famous) sayings, monologues, and quotes, complete with a personal introduction by the mad man himself. A truly unique and special book, this collectible is sure to become a cult favorite like the show that inspired it. RICK AND MORTY, ADULT SWIM, the logos, and all related characters and elements are trademarks of and (c) 2018 Cartoon Network.

The Science of Rick and Morty

The Science of Rick and Morty
Author: Matt Brady
Publisher: Atria Books
Total Pages: 336
Release: 2019-10-01
Genre: Performing Arts
ISBN: 1982123125

Explore the real science behind the Cartoon Network phenomenon Rick and Morty—one of television’s most irreverent, whip-smart, and darkly hilarious shows—and discover how close we are to Rick’s many experiments becoming a reality. Adult Swim’s Rick and Morty is one of the smartest (and most insane) shows on television. Genius alcoholic Rick Sanchez and his hapless grandson Morty have explored everything from particle physics to human augmentation and much more in their intergalactic adventures through the multiverse. With biting humor and plenty of nihilism, Rick and Morty employs cutting-edge scientific theories in every episode. But, outside of Rick’s garage laboratory, what are these theories truly about and what can they teach us about ourselves? Blending biology, chemistry, and physics basics with accessible—and witty—prose, The Science of Rick and Morty equips you with the scientific foundation to thoroughly understand Rick’s experiments from the show, such as how we can use dark matter and energy, just what is intelligence hacking, and whether or not you can really control a cockroach’s nervous system with your tongue. Perfect for longtime and new fans of the show, this is the ultimate segue into discovering more about our complicated and fascinating universe.

SpongeBob SquarePants and Philosophy

SpongeBob SquarePants and Philosophy
Author: Joseph J. Foy
Publisher: Open Court Publishing
Total Pages: 240
Release: 2011
Genre: Performing Arts
ISBN: 0812697308

Offers a selection of essays using the popular children's television program characters, providing a humorous look at the study of philosophy and philosophical topics.

Rick and Morty Book of Gadgets and Inventions

Rick and Morty Book of Gadgets and Inventions
Author: Robb Pearlman
Publisher: Running Press Adult
Total Pages: 147
Release: 2019-10-01
Genre: Performing Arts
ISBN: 0762494336

A must have for fans, this official illustrated guide features a unique look at all the gadgets and inventions created by Rick Sanchez from Adult Swim's Emmy-winning show Rick and Morty. Dive into this one-of-a-kind guide that explores and explains all the inventions, gadgets, and machines -- not just the ones with a sci-fi word added to it -- that Rick and Morty have encountered on their mind-blowing adventures! In the Book of Gadgets and Inventions, author Robb Pearlman explores the science and backstories as well as includes humorous how-to instructions for of all the gadgets and gizmos from all three seasons of Rick and Morty, breaking them into seven themed-categories including items like: Body and Mind: Anatomy Park, Mindblower Helmet, and Pickle Serum Interdimensional Power & Travel: Interdimensional Cable, Interdimensional Goggles, and Microverse Battery Weapons, Guns & Suits: Concentrated Dark Matter, Groin System 6000, Rat Suit, and Suicide Machine Ships, Machines & Boxes: Curse Purge Scanner, Demonic Alien Containment Box, Detox Machine, and Science Microwave Robots & Clones: Butter Robot, Drones, Tiny Rick, and Toxic Rick and Morty Extracurricular Gadgets & Inventions: Alien Vaccum, Beth's Toys, Ovenless Brownies, Time Stabilizing Collar, True Level, and Wishing Portal Interdimensional Gadgets & Science: Brainalyzer Helmet, Conroy, Gwendolyn, Meeseeks Box, Plubus, Roy: A Life Well Lived, and Zigerion Simulation Chamber With full-color illustrations, concept art, "Rick Facts" sidebars, episode references, and handwritten notes from Rick and Morty throughout, Book of Gadgets and Inventions is a truly unique and must-have guide for fans of one of the most bizarre and beloved animated shows on television.

Rick and Morty Character Guide

Rick and Morty Character Guide
Author: Albro Lundy
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
Total Pages: 168
Release: 2020-12-08
Genre: Art
ISBN: 1506716911

An oversized full-color hardcover encyclopedia collecting hilarious trivia on the characters from the ultra-hit animated series! In an interdimensional reality as crazy and wild as Rick and Morty, it can be hard to keep all of the characters straight, and now you don't have to use any more of your precious brain space to do it! It's all in this here book, baby! In this new collection, learn all about your favorite (and not so favorite) characters from around the multiverse. Take a look at all of the titular characters, the humans and the aliens, with the Rick and Morty Character Guide. Want to know more about the Council of Ricks? Or Ricks feelings on Zeep Xanflorp? Or why Bird Person talks like that? This book has got you covered! Collecting information on the whole cast of characters, this book is a must-have for any fan of the award-winning Adult Swim show!

The Art of Rick and Morty

The Art of Rick and Morty
Author: Justin Roiland
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
Total Pages: 230
Release: 2017-09-12
Genre: Art
ISBN: 1506702694

Featuring exclusive never before seen concept art with a killer Glow-in-the-Dark cover, this is the art book that Rick and Morty fans have been waiting for! The animated science-fiction adventures of Rick and Morty are irreverent, shocking, and hilarious--from the cynical and rapid-fire one liners, to the grotesquely and endearing character designs. Now, take a deep trans-dimensional dive into the creation of these many insane universes with The Art of Rick and Morty! This new book is a must-have, not only for followers of the series, but for fans of animation as well! Featuring intimate commentary from the show's creators accompanying a vast collection of process, concept, and production art, this striking volume offers a tantalizing exploration of one of the most outlandish and beloved shows on television. Don't miss your chance to see the amazing art that goes into creating this twisted and fantastic Adult Swim series!

Reality+: Virtual Worlds and the Problems of Philosophy

Reality+: Virtual Worlds and the Problems of Philosophy
Author: David J. Chalmers
Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
Total Pages: 544
Release: 2022-01-25
Genre: Philosophy
ISBN: 0393635813

A leading philosopher takes a mind-bending journey through virtual worlds, illuminating the nature of reality and our place within it. Virtual reality is genuine reality; that’s the central thesis of Reality+. In a highly original work of “technophilosophy,” David J. Chalmers gives a compelling analysis of our technological future. He argues that virtual worlds are not second-class worlds, and that we can live a meaningful life in virtual reality. We may even be in a virtual world already. Along the way, Chalmers conducts a grand tour of big ideas in philosophy and science. He uses virtual reality technology to offer a new perspective on long-established philosophical questions. How do we know that there’s an external world? Is there a god? What is the nature of reality? What’s the relation between mind and body? How can we lead a good life? All of these questions are illuminated or transformed by Chalmers’ mind-bending analysis. Studded with illustrations that bring philosophical issues to life, Reality+ is a major statement that will shape discussion of philosophy, science, and technology for years to come.

Curb Your Enthusiasm and Philosophy

Curb Your Enthusiasm and Philosophy
Author: Mark Ralkowski
Publisher: Open Court Publishing
Total Pages: 290
Release: 2012
Genre: Performing Arts
ISBN: 0812697669

What makes Larry a monster, and why doesn't he know that he's a monster? This title discusses philosophical answers to these questions. It also discusses the ethical and existential issues, such as whether Larry is a bad apple or perhaps worth emulating.