Doctor Who and Philosophy

Discussion of articles that appear in the magazine.

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Philosophy Now
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Doctor Who and Philosophy

Post by Philosophy Now »

Massimo Pigliucci searches time and space to reveal the philosophy of Dr Who.

https://philosophynow.org/issues/89/Doc ... Philosophy
thedoc
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Re: Doctor Who and Philosophy

Post by thedoc »

I am unable to access the article at this time, but according to the original series, 2 ideas stand out in the Dr's philosophy. One is the sanctity of life and the other is being non-judgmental. This was illustrated very clearly in the episode "Genesis of the Daleks" where the doctor questioned his right to destroy another life form, even one as evil as the Daleks.
Dalek Prime
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Re: Doctor Who and Philosophy

Post by Dalek Prime »

Been awhile, but that sounds a fair assessment. He's had to struggle with these issues in the news series.
thedoc
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Re: Doctor Who and Philosophy

Post by thedoc »

Dalek Prime wrote:Been awhile, but that sounds a fair assessment. He's had to struggle with these issues in the news series.

But at least in some of the episodes I watched, he didn't have much trouble with someone dying.
Dalek Prime
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Re: Doctor Who and Philosophy

Post by Dalek Prime »

thedoc wrote:
Dalek Prime wrote:Been awhile, but that sounds a fair assessment. He's had to struggle with these issues in the news series.

But at least in some of the episodes I watched, he didn't have much trouble with someone dying.
Perhaps he was more inclined to positive utilitarianism at the time, and let a few deaths slide.... Yes, I'm kidding. I don't think the writers thought it all through.
thedoc
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Re: Doctor Who and Philosophy

Post by thedoc »

Dalek Prime wrote:
thedoc wrote:
Dalek Prime wrote:Been awhile, but that sounds a fair assessment. He's had to struggle with these issues in the news series.

But at least in some of the episodes I watched, he didn't have much trouble with someone dying.
Perhaps he was more inclined to positive utilitarianism at the time, and let a few deaths slide.... Yes, I'm kidding. I don't think the writers thought it all through.
Have you ever looked at how many different writers, directors, and producers there were for that series. It's surprising that there was any continuity at all.
thedoc
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Re: Doctor Who and Philosophy

Post by thedoc »

Philosophy Now wrote:Massimo Pigliucci searches time and space to reveal the philosophy of Dr Who.

https://philosophynow.org/issues/89/Doc ... Philosophy

Why does this article, not show up in the latest issue of the magazine, is this a case of "bait and switch"? That is just a little dishonest.
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