Buy new:
$9.79
FREE delivery Friday, May 3 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Ships from: Amazon.com
Sold by: Amazon.com
List Price: $14.95 Details

The List Price is the suggested retail price of a new product as provided by a manufacturer, supplier, or seller. Except for books, Amazon will display a List Price if the product was purchased by customers on Amazon or offered by other retailers at or above the List Price in at least the past 90 days. List prices may not necessarily reflect the product's prevailing market price.
Learn more
Save: $5.16 (35%)
Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime FREE Returns
FREE delivery Friday, May 3 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35. Order within 18 hrs 29 mins
Only 10 left in stock (more on the way).
$$9.79 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$9.79
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Ships from
Amazon.com
Ships from
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Returns
Eligible for Return, Refund or Replacement within 30 days of receipt
Eligible for Return, Refund or Replacement within 30 days of receipt
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt.
Read full return policy
Returns
Eligible for Return, Refund or Replacement within 30 days of receipt
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt.
Read full return policy
Payment
Secure transaction
Your transaction is secure
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
Payment
Secure transaction
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
$3.98 delivery May 7 - 8. Details
Used: Good | Details
Sold by glenthebookseller
Condition: Used: Good
Comment: Item in good condition. Textbooks may not include supplemental items i.e. CDs, access codes etc...
Access codes and supplements are not guaranteed with used items.
Amazon book clubs early access
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Amazon book clubs early access

Join or create book clubs

Choose books together

Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Explore Amazon Book Clubs
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the authors

See all
Denise Du Vernay
Follow
Nicolas Michaud
Follow
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

SpongeBob SquarePants and Philosophy: Soaking Up Secrets Under the Sea! (Popular Culture and Philosophy, 60) Paperback – August 9, 2011

by Joseph J. Foy (Editor)
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 35 ratings
See all formats and editions
{"desktop_buybox_group_1":[{"displayPrice":"$9.79","priceAmount":9.79,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"9","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"79","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"aCZlnQJAEQR%2BJsGkXIcfEgFs1uKnQ4loDyGAuTxLMKvK90mAQJh9T59aR5Lf%2F7Zpkr%2FgGxkC5qToUB7J5oIGOUUOSV8BG6Jg2Jscw2g2Pj4HyRnAukBxQa1eJDOVLzu2Ev1s5wRL1ByiS%2B3H85CMlQ%3D%3D","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"NEW","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":0}, {"displayPrice":"$5.79","priceAmount":5.79,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"5","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"79","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"aCZlnQJAEQR%2BJsGkXIcfEgFs1uKnQ4loJ6r8t%2BQ7jXR7rU7w%2BH9tjST3nN0cqUD%2F1DAByX11%2FeAP1XlTlKY2tIWig3KTMrkPlg1m8MKuYXxaCWU9eeGdyoVx2nzLM%2FXdD7%2F2XhbpHZV7P6Vdet4HWiUfjbJG02TsNgblCEZ1Dn9KfdhISppHk5VX31UTjhWa","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"USED","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":1}]}

Purchase options and add-ons

SpongeBob SquarePants and Philosophy is designed to introduce fans of SpongeBob SquarePants to some of the great thinkers and questions in philosophy. The essays can be shared by young and old alike, kindling new interest in philosophy and life’s big questions. What keeps SpongeBob “reeling in” major audiences on a daily basis is that underneath the lighthearted and whimsical exterior are the seeds of long-standing and important philosophical discussions about identity and the self, our obligations toward others, benefits and tensions of the individual in community, principles of the marketplace and environmental ethics, and questions of just how exactly Jack Kahuna Laguna can build a fire at the bottom of the ocean. (Okay, so perhaps we don’t have an answer for that last one, but maybe if you look into that fire long enough the answer will be revealed.)
The book begins with a section exploration of the major characters of the series. To begin, Nicole Pramik uses the philosophies of Aristotle to demonstrate why SpongeBob, more than any other character in the series, is defined by a life of well-being and flourishing. In chapter two, Timothy Dunn provides an assessment of SpongeBob’s best friend, Patrick Star, using the writings of J.S. Mill to ask if the life of simple pleasures preferable to the life of the mind, while in chapter three Natasha Liebig uses the German pessimist philosophers to reveal what it means to live the life of Squidward Q. Tentacles. Chapter four uses the competing philosophies of Ayn Rand and Karl Marx to evaluate the actions of SpongeBob’s boss, Mr. Eugene Krabs, while in chapter five Denise Du Vernay explains how Sandy Cheeks offers a brand of feminism that breaks down traditional assumptions about masculine and feminine identity and repackages them into constructive and empowering messages for young people. Concluding this section of the book, Nicholas Michaud uses the philosophy of Friedrich Nietzsche to ask us reconsider our belief that SpongeBob and his friends are somehow heroic by giving us insight into the “will to power” held by the powerful little protozoan, Plankton.
Section two of the book is dedicated to exploring the community of Bikini Bottom, starting with Shaun Young’s examination of Bikini Bottom as a representation of various theories of the just state. In chapter eight, Nathan Zook looks into whether we might learn something about theories of democracy and political participation from an election between SpongeBob and Squidward for “Royal Krabby,” while in chapter nine Adam Barkman uses the writings of Dante Alighieri to assess the monarchal rule of King Neptune. Chapter ten uses the legal philosophies of thinkers like Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, John Rawls, and David Hume to answer whether Mr. Krabs has the proper philosophical basis upon which to claim an individual right to possess and profit from the secret Krabby Patty formula. Chapter eleven then takes us to the pristine Jellyfish Fields where Greg Ahrenhoerster uses literary naturalism and the works of transcendentalist thinkers to examine environmental ethics and an individual’s obligations to shared resources.
The third and final section uses SpongeBob to explore psychological and scientific questions that float around under the sea. In chapter twelve, Katie Anderson uses the episode “Sleepy Time” to explore Cartesian principles related to the philosophical questions that attempt to distinguish between dreams and reality, and in chapter thirteen Robert Kincaid continues the examination into philosophical issues related to the mind by using SpongeBob, Squidward, and Patrick to relate the theories of Sigmund Freud. Chapter fourteen is dedicated to an introduction into the philosophy of science by Wilson González-Espada, and Robert Vuckovich concludes the volume with an essay on SpongeBob’s insatiable thirst for knowledge in the episode “The Secret Box.”
Previous page
  1. Part of series
    Popular Culture and Philosophy
  2. Print length
    192 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publisher
    Open Court
  5. Publication date
    August 9, 2011
  6. Dimensions
    4.1 x 0.5 x 6.7 inches
  7. ISBN-10
    0812697308
  8. ISBN-13
    978-0812697308
  9. See all details
Next page
Books with Buzz
Books with Buzz
Discover the latest buzz-worthy books, from mysteries and romance to humor and nonfiction. Explore more

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Joseph J. Foy is assistant professor of political science at the University of Wisconsin in Waukesha, Wisconsin. He is editor of Homer Simpson Goes to Washington and co-editor of Homer Simpson Marches on Washington.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Open Court (August 9, 2011)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 192 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0812697308
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0812697308
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 6 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 4.1 x 0.5 x 6.7 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 35 ratings

About the authors

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Previous page
  1. Denise Du Vernay

    Denise Du Vernay

    Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
    Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

    Denise Du Vernay (aka "Du") was born and raised in Minnesota. She earned her B.A. from the University of South Dakota with an English major and a minor in Earth science and her master's in literature from Florida State University. At Florida State, Denise met her best friend Karma Waltonen where they discovered their shared joys of literature, teaching, sushi, cats, and Simpsonology, the latter they've put together in their books "The Simpsons in the Classroom: Embiggening the Learning Experience with the Wisdom of Springfield" (2010) and "The Simpsons' Beloved Springfield: Essays on the TV Series and Town That Are Part of Us All" (2019).

    Follow them on Facebook and Twitter @Simpsonology.

    In her free time, Denise watches television; visits breweries; reads; and writes about Margaret Atwood, film, television, social media, and linguistics. She has contributed to three anthologies: "SpongeBob SquarePants and Philosophy" (2011), "Breaking Bad and Philosophy" (2012), and "Homer Simpson Ponders Politics: Popular Culture as Political Theory" (2013).

    Denise has been an officer with the Margaret Atwood Society since 2007; she is currently the society's treasurer, website manager, and social media manager. Denise works at Loyola University Chicago and lives on Chicago's north side with her husband, who is allergic to dogs and cats.

    See more on the author's page
  2. Nicolas Michaud

    Nicolas Michaud

    Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
    Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

    Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read author blogs and more

    See more on the author's page
  3. Robert Jacob Kincaid

    Robert Jacob Kincaid

    Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
    Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

    Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read author blogs and more

    See more on the author's page
  4. Joseph J. Foy

    Joseph J. Foy

    Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
    Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

    Joseph Foy is the Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Wisconsin Colleges. He is the editor of the John G. Cawelti award-winning Homer Simpson Goes to Washington: American Politics through Popular Culture (2008) and SpongeBob SquarePants and Philosophy: Soaking Up Secrets Under the Sea (2010). Foy also co-edited Homer Simpson Marches on Washington: Dissent through American Popular Culture (2010), Homer Simpson Ponders Politics: Popular Culture as Political Theory (2013), and Jim Henson and Philosophy: Imagination and the Magic of Mayhem (2015).

    See more on the author's page
Next page

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5
35 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Selah Joy
5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic book, very student-friendly.
Reviewed in the United States on June 25, 2023
Verified Purchase
I used this book for a college philosophy project. It was where I got most of my information for the project, as it was very informative and made valid points. Highly suggested.
Helpful
 Report
Kevin Thompson
5.0 out of 5 stars A must read
Reviewed in the United States on October 11, 2017
Verified Purchase
I read this book several years ago and loved it so much I purchased a copy on Kindle so I can access it on my phone and read it again. You will love it. Insightful and informative, you'll never look at SpongeBob SquarePants in the same way again
Helpful
 Report
Jacqueline
5.0 out of 5 stars I'd like to thank not only God, but also Jesus, for this book
Reviewed in the United States on October 6, 2018
Verified Purchase
I haven't even finished reading this book, but It's already the best thing I've ever read. This book should be taught in schools and read by everyone at least once before they die.
One person found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Jesse P
5.0 out of 5 stars Complexity under the sea
Reviewed in the United States on March 4, 2016
Verified Purchase
Bought this for a good friend's birthday - she's currently suffering through an Ethics class and was a fond fan of the first few seasons of Spongebob, so this was a natural fit.

There's surprising depth to this book - I like it.
2 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Heidi
4.0 out of 5 stars Product as described
Reviewed in the United States on November 12, 2020
Verified Purchase
Product as described
Helpful
 Report
Nick
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book
Reviewed in the United States on July 19, 2015
Verified Purchase
Great book! I love how the author related his philosophical ideas to a well known character and made his views easy to understand. I really enjoyed reading this book and looking at things from someone else's perspective.
3 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Mel
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United States on July 30, 2017
Verified Purchase
Really interesting read.
Helpful
 Report
Raymond B Anderson
5.0 out of 5 stars None
Reviewed in the United States on March 9, 2012
i juest loved the book it was the best i ever read i recomend it to anyone who likes linsain books BUY IT NOW! >(^_^)<
5 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report