A philosophical exploration of the entire seven-book Harry Potter series Harry Potter has been heralded as one of the most popular book series of all time and the philosophical nature of Harry, Hermione, and Ron's quest to rid the world of its ultimate evil is one of the many things that make this series special. The Ultimate Harry Potter and Philosophy covers all seven titles in J.K. Rowling's groundbreaking series and takes fans back to Godric's Hollow to discuss life after death, to consider what moral reasoning drove Harry to choose death, and to debate whether Sirius Black is a man or a dog. With publication timed to coincide with the release of the movie Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Part 1), this book will be the definitive guide for all fans looking to appreciate the series on a deeper level. Covers a range of intriguing topics such as the redemption of Severus Snape, the power of love, and destiny in the wizarding world Gives you a new perspective on Harry Potter characters, plot lines, and themes Makes a perfect companion to the Harry Potter books and movies Packed with interesting ideas and insights, The Ultimate Harry Potter and Philosophy is an ideal companion for anyone interested in unraveling the subtext and exploring the greater issues at work in the story.

A philosophical exploration of the entire seven-book HarryPotter seriesHarry Potter has been heralded as one of the most popularbook series of all time and the philosophical nature of HarryHermione, and Ron's quest to rid the world of its ultimate evil isone of the many things that make this series special. TheUltimate Harry Potter and Philosophy covers all seven titles inJ.K. Rowling's groundbreaking series and takes fans back toGodric's Hollow to discuss life after death, to consider what moralreasoning drove Harry to choose death, and to debate whether SiriusBlack is a man or a dog.With publication timed to coincide with the release of the movieHarry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Part 1), this bookwill be the definitive guide for all fans looking to appreciate theseries on a deeper level.* Covers a range of intriguing topics such as the redemption ofSeverus Snape, the power of love, and destiny in the wizardingworld* Gives you a new perspective on Harry Potter charactersplot lines, and themes* Makes a perfect companion to the Harry Potter books andmoviesPacked with interesting ideas and insights, The UltimateHarry Potter and Philosophy is an ideal companion for anyoneinterested in unraveling the subtext and exploring the greaterissues at work in the story.

FOREWORD BY TOM MORRIS xiACKNOWLEDGMENTS: Some House Points I'd Like to Award xvIntroduction: Harry Potter and the Enchantment of Philosophy 1PART ONE THE HORCRUX OF THE MATTER: DESTINY, IDENTITY, AND THE SOUL1 The Soul in Harry Potter 7Scott Sehon2 Sirius Black: Man or Dog? 22Eric Saidel3 Destiny in the Wizarding World 35Jeremy PiercePART TWO THE MOST POWERFUL MAGIC OF ALL4 Choosing Love: The Redemption of Severus Snape 53Catherine Jack Deavel and David Paul Deavel5 Love Potion No. 9¾ 66Gregory Bassham6 Harry Potter, Radical Feminism, and the Power of Love 80Anne Collins SmithPART THREE POTTERWATCH: FREEDOM AND POLITICS7 Patriotism, House Loyalty, and the Obligations of Belonging 97Andrew P. Mills8 Dumbledore's Politics 113Beth Admiraal and Regan Lance Reitsma9 Dumbledore, Plato, and the Lust for Power 128David Lay Williams and Alan J. KellnerPART FOUR THE ROOM OF REQUIREMENT: A POTTER POTPOURRI10 Is Dumbledore Gay? Who's to Say? 143Tamar Szabó Gendler11 Choices vs. Abilities: Dumbledore on Self-Understanding 157Gregory Bassham12 The Magic of Personal Transformation 172S. Joel Garver13 Just in Your Head? J. K. Rowling on Separating Reality from Illusion 185John Granger with Gregory Bassham14 A Pensieve for Your Thoughts? Harry Potter and the Magic of Memory 198Amy Kind15 A Hogwarts Education: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly 212Gregory BasshamPART FIVE BEYOND THE VEIL: DEATH, HOPE, AND MEANING16 The Real Secret of the Phoenix: Moral Regeneration through Death 229Charles Taliaferro17 Beyond Godric's Hollow: Life after Death and the Search for Meaning 246Jonathan L. Walls and Jerry L. Walls18 Why Harry and Socrates Decide to Die: Virtue and the Common Good 258Michael W. AustinCONTRIBUTORS: The Hogwarts (for Muggles) Faculty 271THE MARAUDER ' S INDEX 279