Rating: 
Summary: Exxxxcelllent (rub hands together now)
Review: The first thing I liked about this book is the subtitle "The d'oh of Homer" a clever allusion to Homer the philosopher and the new age philosophy book "The tao of Pooh" But the subtitle was only the first of many things about this book to like. (And you don't have to be a Simpson's fan to like this book)If you were to count the truely funny sitcoms on TV in the last decade you could probably do it on one hand and still have a finger or two left over. But the "Simpsons" is one of those all to rare shows of late that is truely funny. "The Simpons and philosophy" explains what makes the show so funny in a very indepth and intellectual way by using "The Simpsons" as a spring board to discuss the philosophy of such intellects as varied as Plato, Kant, Arostotile, descartes and Marx (Carl not Groucho) Each Character is analyzed based on his or her philosophic out look. For example: Is Bart the Nietschean Ideal? "Barts whole identity is created around rebelling, bucking authority. Consequently when the authority disappears, Bart loses his identity. He no longer knows who or what he is. ... In other words far from being the Nietzchean ideal self-overcoming, self creating ideal, the being who activly gives style to his character and forges new values, Bart is still looking to identfy him self reactivly...." (pg 75) hardly the Nietschean ideal. "In Marge we see that Aristotle's moral virtues can be successfully applied not just in the abstract, ivory towers of acadmia, but in the real, workaday cartoon world" (pg 57) In addition to the analysis of the characters, subjects like Good and evil, hypocrisy, happiness and capitalism vs communisn are explored using plot lines of various episodes. This is an excellent book for the philosophy student or just any ole' Simpsons fan willing to take a very intellectual look at the longest running show on TV today.
Rating: 
Summary: A Disappointment
Review: The introduction of The Simpsons and Philosophy states that its purpose is to use The Simpsons as a springboard into various philosophic topics for the purpose of building the reader's interest in philosophy. As the book progresses, it seems to have less and less to do with The Simpsons. Each chapter is an essay written by a different author. The last chapter has nothing to do with the show and makes an unsuccessful attempt to use Bart as an example of its thesis. Chapter 14 goes on some weird and off-base tangent of what it means to "Love your neighbor as yourself." From its title and the reviews on the back cover, one would assume the book will cast The Simpsons in a philosophical light and that one will obtain a deeper understanding of the show. This is not the case. For the most part, its verbose prattle in the guise of being esoteric. The authors almost force themselves into reading too much into the show. There are a few good points, but the number of them can be counted on both hands. Even the philosophy presented is not a good representation on the subject. For someone who has read The Gospel According to the Simpsons or is looking for an in depth philosophical analysis of the series, this book is largely a disappointment.
Rating: 
Summary: An outstanding work
Review: The Simpsons and Philosophy is an outstanding work. I would particularly like to applaud the stellar academic force, David Vessey, for his excellent analysis of Ned Flanders and the concept of neighborly love. His skillful insight is second to none.
Rating:
Summary: Longest Running Prime Time Show!
Review: The Simpsons is the longest running prime time show. Look what it has out-lasted--Cosby, Home Improvement, and Seinfeld. There is something to the Show, and the Groening humor. This book is necessary because the Simpsons is a cultural phenomenon on the level of the Beatles, Elvis, or Star Wars. This is an "essential" for anyone understanding pop culture. This is also great primer for philosophy, along the lines of "The Metaphysics of Star Trek: Is Data Human?" The genius lies in taking the familiar antics of the Springfieldians and showing there is a method and reason to their madness and rhyme. Indeed, all we do is based in our personal philosophy. And, yes, the decision to ignore philosophy is itself a philosophical decision! The tone of the essays is very casual and conversational, and jargon is non-existant. An easy read for high-schoolers, or ambitious junior high students. When we look at the Simpsons, we look at ourselves, and that is the point of all philosophy. The only complaint I have is that illustrations would have been helpful, not just the Springfieldians, but the philosophic powerhouses that check in on the Simpsons.
Rating:
Summary: REMARKABLE
Review: This book is a gem among all books in general. The book does not try to say that the Simpsons is a grand philosophical guide but does pull deep ideas out of the wonderful prime time animation. The book truly makes you appreciate the Simpsons alot more, and shows the genius in many of the episodes. More importantly, it makes you want to read more philosophy! This is a wonderful book. I highly recommend it.
Rating:
Summary: A little gem
Review: This book is a small gem. It does not try to say that the Simpsons is a grand philosophical guide but does pull some deep ideas out of the wonderful primetime animation. The book helped me appreciate the Simpsons more, and shows the hidden genius in many of the episodes. More importantly, it inspired me to read more philosophy books! I also highly recommend everyone read another wonderful little book of wisdom called "Open Your Mind, Open Your Life" by Taro Gold. Excellent.
Rating: 
Summary: Good but not great
Review: This book is an enjoyable read for Simpsons fans; it's a kick to see academics pontificate on the inner meanings of the characters we've all come to know and love. But after the initial thrill of reading a serious discussion of all things Simpsonian wears off, you begin to realize that the insights and conclusions the writers draw are not all that profound.
Do we need a philosopher to point out that Mr. Burns isn't happy despite his wealth? Or that Homer is a loving husband despite his shortcomings? The writers seem to think we do. Uh, guys, I think most people figured that stuff out without PhD's in philosophy.
Worse, the quality of the essays varies radically. The last one -- the worst of the bunch -- reads like a mediocre undergraduate term paper ("First, I will show that... Second, I will show that..."). Another essay, on Marxism in Springfield, finds fault with the show for not espousing socialist values more explicitly.
These lapses aside, the book functions well as a few hours' diversion, and will allow you to recall many classic Simpsons moments. But it won't provide any deep insights into life -- or even into the show.
Rating:
Summary: A good book for intermediate philosophers.
Review: This book is REALLY cool! It can be entertaining, but also enlightening at the same time. I would probably recommend this book only to those who have seen a lot of simpsons episodes, and/or studied ethics. It's a fun read, and I'd really recommend it! It's limitation to "experienced people" though gives it four stars instead of a full five.
Rating:
Summary: Comic Genius
Review: This book is very witty, like the Simpsons itself. Aeon Skoble has again proven his genius. He has come a long way from his humble days at Applejacks Deli. Rock on, Aeon!
Rating:
Summary: What a perspective!
Review: This book really supplements all of the stuff I learned in college. Its contributors do a fine job of relating basic theories in philosophy to things that every Simpsons fan can enjoy. If you're a fan, it is a must buy, especially if you have a yearning to improve your understanding of how people act.
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