House of cards and philosophy: Underwood's republic

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"Is Democracy overrated? Does power corrupt? Or do corrupt people seek power? Do corporate puppet masters pull politicians strings? Why does Frank talk to the camera? Can politics deliver on the promise of justice? House of Cards depicts our worst fears about politics today. Love him or loathe him, Frank Underwood has charted an inimitable course through Washington politics. He and his cohorts depict the darkest dealings within the gleaming halls of our most revered political institutions. These 24 original essays examine key philosophical issues behind the critically-acclaimed series questions of truth, justice, equality, opportunity, and privilege. The amoral machinations of Underwood, the ultimate anti-hero, serve as an ideal backdrop for a discussion of the political theories of philosophers as diverse as Plato, Aristotle, Nietzsche, Machiavelli, Hobbes, and Marx. From political and corporate ethics, race relations, and ruthless paragmatism to mass media collusion and sexual politics, these essays tackle a range of issues important not only to the series but to our understanding of society today"--Provided by publisher.  Read more... Abstract: "Is Democracy overrated? Does power corrupt? Or do corrupt people seek power? Do corporate puppet masters pull politicians strings? Why does Frank talk to the camera? Can politics deliver on the promise of justice? House of Cards depicts our worst fears about politics today. Love him or loathe him, Frank Underwood has charted an inimitable course through Washington politics. He and his cohorts depict the darkest dealings within the gleaming halls of our most revered political institutions. These 24 original essays examine key philosophical issues behind the critically-acclaimed series questions of truth, justice, equality, opportunity, and privilege. The amoral machinations of Underwood, the ultimate anti-hero, serve as an ideal backdrop for a discussion of the political theories of philosophers as diverse as Plato, Aristotle, Nietzsche, Machiavelli, Hobbes, and Marx. From political and corporate ethics, race relations, and ruthless paragmatism to mass media collusion and sexual politics, these essays tackle a range of issues important not only to the series but to our understanding of society today"--Provided by publisher Content: pt. I Socrates, Plato, and Frank -- 1. Of Sheep, Shepherds, and a Wolf in Sheep's Clothing: The Cynical View of Politics in House of Cards and Plato's Republic / Michael Yeo -- 2. Being versus Seeming: Socrates and the Lessons of Francis Underwood's Asides / John Scott Gray -- pt. II Imagining Possibilities: American Ideals in House of Cards -- 3. Frank Underwood Gives the Ideal Society a Reality Check / Brian Kogelmann -- 4."What Will We Leave Behind?" Claire Underwood's American Dream / Kenneth W. Stikkers -- pt. III Characterizing Frank: Ubermensch or the Prince -- 5. Underwood as Ubermensch: A Postmodern Play of Power / Leslie A. Aarons -- 6. Why Underwood Is Frankly Not an Overman / Matt Meyer -- 7. American Machiavelli / Greg Littmann -- 8. Machiavelli Would Not Be Impressed / Don Fallis -- 9. Is Frank the Man for the Job? House of Cards and the Problem of Dirty Hands / Tomer J. Perry -- pt. IV Classical Liberalism and Democracy. 10. Frank the Foole, Upon a House of Cards / Shane D. Courtland -- 11. Hobbes and Frank on Why Democracy Is Overrated / Steven Michels -- 12."Democracy Is So Overrated": The Shortcomings of Popular Rule / Brendan Shea -- 13."Money Gives Power ... Well, a Run for Its Money": Marx's Observations on Why Capital and Not Frank Is Really in Charge of the White House / Nathan Wood -- 14. Freedom and Democracy in a House of Fear / Ian Diorio -- pt. V Intrapersonal Relationships, Sexuality, and Race in House of Cards -- 15. Under the Covers with the Underwoods: The Sexual Politics of the Underwood Marriage / Ruth Tallman -- 16. The Spice of White Life: Freddy and Racist Representations / Stephanie Rivera Berruz -- 17. Broken Friendships and the Pathology of Corporate Personhood in House of Cards / Myron Moses Jackson -- pt. VI Existential Realities: Self-Love and Freedom. 18. Praying to One's Self, for One's Self: Frank's Ethics and Politics of Autoeroticism / Kody W. Cooper -- 19. Existential Freedom, Self-Interest, and Frank Underwood's Underhandedness / J. Edward Hackett -- pt. VII Let Me Be Frank with You: Agency, Aesthetics, and Intention -- 20. Rooting for the Villain: Frank Underwood and the Lack of Imaginative Resistance / Laszlo Kajtar -- 21. Frank Underwood's Intentions / Angelica Kaufmann -- 22. Francis Underwood's Magical Political Mystery Tour Is Dying to Take You Away Dying to Take You Away, Take You Today / Charles Taliaferro -- pt. VII Virtue and Character in House of Cards -- 23. Frank Underwood and the Virtue of Friendship / Katherine K. Johnson -- 24. Have You No Decency? Who Is Worse, Claire or Frank? / Randall Auxier.