Philosophical Reflections on Black Mirror

Description

Black Mirror is a cultural phenomenon. It is a creative and sometimes shocking examination of modern society and the improbable consequences of technological progress. The episodes - typically set in an alternative present, or the near future - usually have a dark and satirical twist that provokes intense question both of the self and society at large. These kind of philosophical provocations are at the very heart of the show. Philosophical reflections on Black Mirror draws upon thinkers such as Friedrich Nietzsche, Pierre Hadot and Michel Foucault to uncover how Black Mirror acts as 'philosophical television' questioning human morality and humanity's vulnerability when faced with the inexorable advance of technology.

Kingsley Marshall is Head of Film & Television at the CILECT accredited School of Film & Television, and a member of the project team at the Sound/Image Cinema Lab, both based at Falmouth University, UK. James Rocha is Associate Professor of Philosophy at California State University, Fresno, USA.

Black Mirror is a series that looks at society through the lens of science fiction, and these stories emotionally affect the audience when they can relate to them in a human way. The best episodes of Black Mirror draw from a fertile ground of ideas already in the ether, and are there to leave us feeling uncomfortable and thinking a little bit harder about the way we live, how we live, and the way we communicate. That's the place where drama crosses with philosophy. * Toby Haynes, Director: Black Mirror: USS Callister *