The Philosophy of the X-Files

The X-Files has fascinated millions of viewers since its debut in 1993 with its groundbreaking blend of police procedural, conspiracy theory, and paranormal adventure. In The Philosophy of The X-Files, Dean A. Kowalski and an ensemble of contributors mine the intellectual depths that helped the show draw its huge following. The book focuses on the partnership between Mulder and Scully, examining the dynamics of human interaction in the search for legitimacy. In the process, it provides philosophical investigations of perennial issues including love and friendship, faith and reason, democracy and citizenship, virtue and evil, existentialism and authenticity, and feminism and pragmatism. This updated edition contains revised chapters on famed episodes “Clyde Bruckman’s Final Repose” and “Jose Chung’s From Outer Space,” connecting their respective themes to the 2008 motion picture The X-Files:I Want to Believe. It also includes an added chapter devoted to the new movie, revealing what might be called the ultimate philosophy of The X-Files.