The Universe is Indifferent: Theology Philosophy and Mad Men

Centered upon the lives of employees at a Manhattan advertising firm the AMC television series Mad Men touches on the advertising worlds unique interests in consumerist culture materialistic desire and the role of deception in Western capitalism. While the subject matters of the chapters in this collection have a decidedly socio-historical focus the authors use basic topics as starting points for philosophical religious and theological reflections. The authors show how Mad Men reveals deep truths concerning the social trends of the 1960s and early 1970s in American life and deserves a significant amount of reflection from philosophical religious and theological perspectives. Some of the chapters go beyond mere reflection and make deeper inquiries into what these trends say about American cultural habits the business world within Western capitalism and the rapid social changes (gender race and sexuality) that occur during this period. Chapters examine paradigms of masculinity and femininity as well as the presentation of motherhood fatherhood sexuality and childhood. This collection shows how social change represents the undercurrent of the interpersonal dramas of the characters on Mad Men from the staid and conventional early seasons to the war assassinations riots and counterculture of later seasons. This exciting volume joins the growing scholarly chorus calling us to take popular culture seriously--artistically and politically to be sure but more daringly as vernacular philosophy and theology. In the acclaimed television series Mad Men this volumes strikes gold which its authors mine with skill humor and great insight. Its a book that belongs on the shelf of every student of religion and popular culture. --Matthew S. Hedstrom Associate Professor Religious Studies and American Studies Director of Graduate Studies Department of Religious Studies University of Virginia Duncan and Goodson have assembled a brilliant collection of essays that combine keen theological and philosophical insight into Mad Men. This book is a rare combination of outstanding scholarship and delightful reading. Of course its about Mad Men but its also about God love relationships work ethics and life in the modern world. It is in short about everything that matters. --David OHara Associate Professor of Philosophy and Classics Chair of the Department of Religion Philosophy and Classics Augustana University Ann W. Duncan (PhD University of Virginia) is Associate Professor of Religion at Goucher College in Baltimore Maryland. She is the coeditor of Church-State Issues in America Today (2007). Jacob L. Goodson (PhD University of Virginia) is Assistant Professor of Philosophy at Southwestern College in Winfield Kansas. He is the author of Narrative Theology and the Hermeneutical Virtues: Humility Patience Prudence (2015).