What if philosophy wore a cape and fought for truth?
Chris Gavaler and Nathaniel Goldberg’s 2019 book, Superhero Thought Experiments, published by the University of Iowa Press, masterfully bridges the gap between comic book lore and rigorous philosophical inquiry. It argues that the fantastical scenarios found in superhero narratives—from alternate timelines to vat brains—are perfect modern vessels for exploring age-old philosophical dilemmas.
For readers who might feel alienated by traditional philosophy, this book offers a refreshing entry point. The authors, a professor of English and a professor of philosophy, collaborate to deconstruct classics like Descartes’ Evil Genius and Swampman using the vibrant lexicon of Marvel and DC. It’s not merely about using superhero stories as bait; the book demonstrates a profound, decades-deep knowledge of comic history, referencing obscure titles and tracing character evolution to contextualize complex metaphysical and ethical concepts.
The text is structured to be accessible, explaining everything from utilitarianism versus deontology (Superman vs. Batman) to the philosophy of time travel in the “Multiverse.” The unique constraint of the medium—not being able to show the actual comic art due to copyright—means the reading experience is text-heavy, requiring the reader to visualize the panels mentally. While this poses a challenge for those unfamiliar with comic history, it opens a door for philosophy enthusiasts to see abstract arguments in concrete, colorful narratives.
Ultimately, Superhero Thought Experiments succeeds as a “thinkers’ guide to comics.” It invites you to look past the spandex and punches to find the rigorous intellectual puzzles hidden within. By the final page, you won’t just know more about philosophy or superheroes; you’ll understand how the stories we tell about gods and monsters are really stories about us.
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