"An in-depth look at the philosophical issues behind HBO's Game of Thrones television series and the books that inspired it George R.R. Martin's New York Times bestselling epic fantasy book series, A Song of Ice and Fire, and the HBO television show adapted from it, have earned critical acclaim and inspired fanatic devotion. This book delves into the many philosophical questions that arise in this complex, character-driven series, including: Is it right for a "good" king to usurp the throne of a "bad" one and murder his family? How far should you go to protect your family and its secrets? In a fantasy universe with medieval mores and ethics, can female characters reflect modern feminist ideals? Timed for the premiere of the second season of the HBO Game of Thrones series Gives new perspectives on the characters, storylines, and themes of Game of Thrones Draws on great philosophers from ancient Greece to modern America to explore intriguing topics such as the strange creatures of Westeros, the incestuous relationship of Jaime and Cersei Lannister, and what the kings of Westeros can show us about virtue and honor (or the lack thereof) as they play their game of thrones Essential reading for fans, Game of Thrones and Philosophy will enrich your experience of your favorite medieval fantasy series"-- "Timed for the premiere of the second season of the HBO Game of Thrones series Gives new perspectives on the characters, storylines, and themes of Game of Thrones Draws on great philosophers from ancient Greece to modern America to explore intriguing topics such as the strange creatures of Westeros, the incestuous relationship of Jaime and Cersei Lannister, and what the kings of Westeros can show us about virtue and honor (or the lack thereof) as they play their game of thrones"-- Provided by publisher. Provided by publisher.

Foreword /Elio M. Garcia, Linda Antonsson -- So what if winter is coming? / Henry Jacoby -- You win or you die. -- Maester Hobbes goes to King's Landing / Greg Littmann -- It is a great crime to lie to a king / Don Fallis -- Playing the game of thrones : some lessons from Machiavelli / Marcus Schulzke -- The war in Westeros and just war theory / Richard H. Corrigan -- The things I do for love. -- Winter is coming! : the bleak quest for happiness in Westeros / Eric F. Silverman -- The death of Lord Stark : the perils of idealism / David Hahn -- Lord Eddard Stark, Queen Cersei Lannister : moral judgments from different perspectives / Albert F.F. Anglberger, Alexander Hieke -- It would be a mercy : choosing life or death in Westeros and beyond the narrow sea / Matthew Tedesco -- Winter is coming. -- Wargs, wights, and wolves that are dire : mind and metaphysics, Westeros style / Henry Jacoby -- Magic, science, and metaphysics in A game of thrones / Edward Cox -- "You know nothing, Jon Snow" : epistemic humility beyond the wall / Abraham P. Schwab -- "Why is the world so full of injustice?" : gods and the problem of evil / Jaron Daniël Schoone -- The man who passes the sentence should swing the sword. -- Why should Joffrey be moral if he has already won the game of thrones? / Daniel Haas -- The moral luck of Tyrion Lannister / Christopher Robichaud -- Dany's encounter with the wild : cultural relativism in A game of thrones / Katherine Tullman -- "There are no true knights" : the injustice of chivalry / Stacey Goguen -- Stick them with the pointy end. -- Fate, freedom, and authenticity in A game of thrones / Michael F. Sigrist -- No one dances the water dance / Henry Jacoby -- The things I do for love : sex, lies, and game theory / R. Shannon Duval -- Stop the madness! : knowledge, power, and insanity in a song of ice and fire / Chad William Timm.