Philosophy, Film, and the Dark Side of Interdependence

Why might interdependence, the idea that we are made up of our relations, be horrifying? Philosophy, Film, and the Dark Side of Interdependence argues that philosophy can outline the contours of the dark spectre, and that film can shine a light on its shadowy details, together revealing a horror of relations.

“Beever has produced a timely and relevant exploration of the potentially unsettling condition of interdependence, demonstrating the value of filmic narratives in helping to shape and form the human condition. This collection brings together some of the greatest minds in film and cultural studies to broaden our understanding of cinema and the role it can play in our postmodern, anthropogenic society.”

“Life is all about interrelationships; we are interdependent with much more than just our fellow humans. In a civilization that prides itself on individuality and separateness from nature, we need to embrace the vital shadow of dependency for it depends itself on the beauty of illumination.”

“What becomes of the anthropos in the anthropocene? This book’s methodological scope guarantees something for every scholar interested in our entangled, contemporary world. Come for the lucid film analysis, stay for the existential nightmare fuel.”

Jonathan Beever is assistant professor of philosophy at the University of Central Florida and director of the UCF Center for Ethics.