Introduction

Facebook Itself

The Profile and Self

Facebook Friends

Social Networking

Activity and Passivity

Conclusion

 

 

 

 

facebook and philosophy

Facebook and Philosophy

Ed. by D.E. Wittkower. Chicago & La Salle, IL. Open Court Publishing Company, 2010. 285 pp. ISBN 978-0-8126-9675-2.
A Review by Matt Bridgewater
Bowling Green State University

 

 

Introduction

Facebook and Philosophy, edited by D. E. Wittkower, offers different interpretations of what Facebook is and what it does and does not do while establishing a balanced middle ground for understanding Facebook—not as something to be feared or something utopian, but as a network that has strengths and weaknesses. This book is rooted strongly in the philosophical traditions of Marxism and postmodernism, but also draws on philosophers such as Hume and Aristotle. Despite the density of these philosophies and philosophers, the book hardly ever overwhelms readers who may not have a strong background in them. The tone of most of the chapters is usually casual and at many times humorous. The content is presented in a way that should be accessible and interesting for upper-level undergraduates and graduate students in a variety of disciplines. The book is organized in five sections: “Facebook Itself,” “The Profile and the Self,” “Facebook Friends,” “Social Networking,” and “Activity and Passivity.” These sections frequently draw on ideas from one another, giving the reader a feeling of flow throughout the book.