William Irwin

Saturday Night Live and Philosophy William Irwin

Comedian-philosophers from Socrates to Sartre have always prodded and provoked us, critiquing our most sacred institutions and urging us to examine ourselves in the process. In Saturday Night Live and Philosophy, a star-studded cast of philosophers takes a close look at the deep thoughts beneath the surface of NBC's award-winning late-night variety show and its hosts' zany antics. In this book, philosophy and comedy join forces, just like the Ambiguously Gay Duo, to explore the meaning of life itself through the riffs and beats of the subversive parody that gives the show its razor-sharp wit and undeniable cultural and political significance. Our guest hosts raise some eyebrows with questions like: &#9679 Is Weekend Update Fake News? &#9679 Does SNL upset dominant paradigms or trap us in political bubbles? &#9679 When it comes to SNL, how can we tell the difference between satire, smart-assery, and seriousness? &#9679 Is the Ladies Man too stupid for moral responsibility? &#9679 What is the benefit of jokes that cause outrage? &#9679 The Church Lady has a bad case of moral superiority. How about you?