The Virtues of Captain America - (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

The first look at the philosophy behind the Captain America comics and movies, publishing in advance of the movie release of Captain America: The Winter Solider in April 2014.

In The Virtues of Captain America, philosopher and long-time comics fan Mark D. White argues that the core principles, compassion, and judgment exhibited by the 1940's comic book character Captain America remain relevant to the modern world. Simply put, Cap embodies many of the classical virtues that have been important to us since the days of the ancient Greeks: honesty, courage, loyalty, perseverance, and, perhaps most importantly, honor. Full of entertaining examples from more than 50 years of comic books, White offers some serious philosophical discussions of everyone's favorite patriot in a light-hearted and accessible way.

• Presents serious arguments on the virtues of Captain America while being written in a light-hearted and often humorous tone
• Introduces basic concepts in moral and political philosophy to the general reader
• Utilizes examples from 50 years of comics featuring Captain America, the Avengers, and other Marvel superheroes
• Affirms the value of old-fashioned virtues for the modern world without indulging in nostalgia for times long passed
• Reveals the importance of the sound principles that America was founded upon
• Publishing in advance of Captain America: The Winter Soldier out in April 2014.

From the Back Cover

Clad in an American flag, the patriotic comic book character Captain America was first portrayed battling against the forces of evil unleashed during World War II. Today, however, Captain America is often seen as a throwback to a simpler time, embodying a black-and-white ethical code poorly suited to the complexities of the modern world. In The Virtues of Captain America, philosopher and pop culture expert Mark D. White argues that "Cap" is indeed a hero for the contemporary era and someone to be emulated now more than ever. White reveals that Captain America's focus on core principles and ideals, combined with his sound judgment, compassion, and iron will, is anything but simple--and is precisely what we need to navigate 21^st-century problems in our personal lives, our communities, and our country as a whole. White shows us that while Captain America is often regarded as a jingoistic flag-waver, he has been written consistently as representing a kind of patriotism that adheres to basic tenets of liberty and equality while staying above partisan politics. On several occasions, in fact, Captain America's devotion to these principles has led him to defy the American government when he feels it doesn't live up to its own ideals. Infused with philosophical insights couched in humor, The Virtues of Captain America shows us that by following "Cap's" example, people on both ends of the political spectrum can learn to put their differences aside and focus on their common ground--the basic principles that all of America embodies.

Review Quotes

"And, as was the case with his previous works, this book is particularly interesting, stimulating, convincing, well-written, and well-documented--using an incredible number of examples, illustrations and quotations from Captain America's adventures." (The Journal of Popular Culture, 17 August 2015)

"If ever there was a need for a philosophical book on a super-hero then Captain America certainly deserves one and I think you'll find this will fill you in on his motivations and his popularity and how it has been embraced in the recent films." (SFCrowsnest, 1 May 2014)

About the Author

Mark D. White is Professor and Chair of the Department of Philosophy at the College of Staten Island/CUNY and co-editor of Batman and Philosophy.