Philosophy and the Puzzles of Hamlet

Shakespeare's famous play <i>Hamlet</i> has been the subject of more scholarly analysis and criticism than any other work of literature in human history. For all of its generally acknowledged virtues however it has also been treated as problematic in a raft of ways. <br/><br/>In <i>Philosophy and the Puzzles of Hamlet</i> Leon Craig explains that the most oft-cited problems and criticisms are actually solvable puzzles. Through a close reading of the philosophical problems presented in <i>Hamlet</i> Craig attempts to provide solutions to these puzzles. <br/><br/>The posing of puzzles some more conspicuous others less so is fundamental to Shakespeare's philosophical method and purpose. That is he has crafted his plays and <i>Hamlet </i>in particular so as to stimulate philosophical activity in the judicious (as distinct from the unskillful) readers. By virtue of showing what so many critics treat as faults or flaws are actually intended to be interpretive challenges Craig aims to raise appreciation for the overall coherence of <i>Hamlet</i>: that there is more logical rigor to its plot and psychological plausibility to its characterizations than is generally granted even by its professed admirers. <br/><br/><i>Philosophy and the Puzzles of Hamlet</i> endeavors to make clear why <i>Hamlet</i> as a work of reason is far better than is generally recognized and proves its author to be not simply the premier poet and playwright he is already universally acknowledged to be but a philosopher in his own right.