It’s true. I’m a card-carrying member of the Game of Thrones nerd club. And I’m ok with that. After reading all the books, discussing each episode of the show with colleagues, and debating philosophies for how the books are going to end, who’s going to die next, and if the series is going to end this decade at all. So it was no surprise to me that I found myself picking up Game of Thrones and Philosophy from my library’s shelf.
It’s part of series that takes pop culture and dresses it in academic robes. Each chapter is an essay relating some philosophic theory and an aspect of Game of Thrones. Quite a few of them compared and contrasted the morals of Cersei and Ned (of course they did) or the game theory behind each of their choices. The first two essays with Cersei and Ned were ok, but after a while I felt like I had met Captain Obvious and all of his brothers. There are a lot of characters in that novel and yet we focus on the two characters who represent polar opposites.
One of the essays that did stand out was using Machiavelli’s theory for establishing a new dynastic power. Taking several of the families fighting for the iron throne, the writer did a good job suggesting what the family should do, shouldn’t do, or is doing well and who is at risk for losing the game and who is positioned to win.
Similar to this philosophy of power was an intriguing essay that rounded out the book using game theory and Tyrion Lannister. In my opinion, he’s one of the most complex and well-rounded characters. We admire and shake our heads at him, but we have to admit that he’s playing the game for keeps. Although we don’t know what his end goal would be. Using the game theory, which says that for every move there is a counter move, the author outlined the choices that have landed Tyrion where he is and where he’s positioned to go.
The last essay that stood out for me was looking at Arya Stark. She’s a powerful character who is playing the game, but like Tyrion, it’s not clear where G.R.R. Martin is taking her. Using feminist/gender theory, the author analyzed why Arya stands out amongst the other characters. What stood out for me was that the author revealed how Arya used the power she had in order to get more power, avoid losing power, and ultimately to determine her own path (a lesson Sansa could learn, but that’s another issue).
For those of you interested in Game of Thrones and who enjoy some academic boost to your regular reading, I’d recommend this book to you. It reads well so don’t worry that you’re about to read a textbook on philosophy.
