In The Philosophy of Martin Scorsese, an impressive cast of contributors explores the complex themes and philosophical underpinnings of Martin Scorsese's films. One of the most significant filmmakers in the history of American cinema, Scorsese is the creative force behind films such as GoodFellas, Taxi Driver, The Last Temptation of Christ, The Aviator, and The Age of Innocence. The contributing authors use Scorsese's films as vehicles for exploration of philosophical concepts such as friendship and egoism, vigilantism, libertarianism, Buddhist ethics, desire and self-restraint, madness, the criminal mind, beatitude and unhappiness, and the absurd.

Mark T. Conard, assistant professor of philosophy at Marymount Manhattan College in New York City, is the editor or coeditor of many books, including The Philosophy of Film Noir and The Philosophy of Neo-Noir.

See other books in the series The Philosophy of Popular Culture.

Reviews:

"Conard (philosophy, Marymount Manhattan College) has compiled another jargon-free and entertaining collection of essays that clearly and concisely define traditional philosophical thought -- this time through the lens of Scorsese's films." -- A. F. Winstead, Our Lady of the Lake University

"Be the reader a Scorsese enthusiast or a philosophy student, this collection serves as an excellent interdisciplinary resource." --A.F. Winstead, CHOICE

"Examines Scorsese's films in a distinctive and refreshing departure from traditional criticism. What emerges is both a sense of the ethical core of a filmmaker and the realization that Scorsese's insight into the human condition remains constant and penetrating."--Library Journal

"The briefest review of Martin Scorsese's oeuvre points to his status as an American philosopher no less insightful or relevant than Mark Twain or Henry David Thoreau.  Exploiting all the tools of the cinematic trade in his exploration of such timeless themes as loyalty, redemption, happiness, and salvation, Scorsese consistently plumbs the hidden depths of his pop cultural texts. Mark T. Conard's important collection--the first of its kind--he succeeds brilliantly in elucidating and elaborating Scorsese's cinematic-philosophic investigations. Not to be missed by fans of Marty, or by film fans in general."--Steven Jay Schneider, editor of 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die and co-editor of Dark Thoughts: Philosophic Reflections on Cinematic Horror.

"Ethics, aesthetics, film theory, and popular culture all meet in this new collection, which sheds new light on all aspects of Scorsese's work.  This much-awaited edition brings alive philosophical themes in Scorsese's films that both the novice and the expert can appreciate. The contributors manage to be accessible and scholarly at the same time."--John Davenport, associate professor of philosophy and Magis Fellow, Fordham University