The Universe is Indifferent

Theology, Philosophy, and Mad Men

edited by Jacob L. Goodson and Ann W. Duncan

Book cover: The Universe is Indifferent

Extent: 426 pages

Publisher: The Lutterworth Press

Subjects: Philosophy, Religious Studies

Language: English

Paperback (No longer our product)

(October 2017)

ISBN: 9780718895181

5.98 x 9.02 inches

Price: $53.00

In stock

PDF (No longer our product)

(October 2017)

ISBN: 9780718847333

Price: $40.00

A collection of essays exploring the theological, philosophical and social issues raised by the American television series Mad Men.


Centred on the lives of the employees at a Manhattan advertising firm, the television series Mad Men touches on the advertising world’s unique interests in consumerist culture, materialistic desire, and the role of deception in Western capitalism. While this essay collection has a decidedly socio-historical focus, the authors use this as the starting point for philosophical, religious, and theological reflection, showing how Mad Men reveals deep truths concerning the social trends of the 1960s and deserves a significant amount of scholarly consideration. Going beyond mere reflection, the authors make deeper inquiries into what these trends say about American cultural habits, the business world within Western capitalism, and the rapid social changes that occurred during this period. From the staid and conventional early seasons to the war, assassinations, riots, and counterculture of later seasons, The Universe is Indifferent shows how social change underpins the interpersonal dramas of the characters in Mad Men.

  • Edited by Ann W Duncan
  • Edited by Jacob L Goodson

"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. This volume strikes gold, which its authors mine with skill, humor, and great insight. It's 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, it's about Mad Men, but it's also about God, love, relationships, work, ethics, and life in the modern world. It is, in short, about everything that matters."DAVID O'HARA, Associate Professor of Philosophy and Classics, Chair of the Department of Religion, Philosophy, and Classics, Augustana University
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