Scribulus Posted May 5, 2009 Report Share Posted May 5, 2009 http://www.valuesofharrypotter.com/ Ari Armstrong's Values of Harry Potter explores the complex themes of J. K. Rowling's beloved novels, illuminating the heroic fight for life-promoting values, the hero's need for independence, and the role of choice in virtue. Drawing on the ideas of Aristotle and Ayn Rand, Armstrong then critiques the Christian elements of self-sacrifice and immortality, arguing that they ultimately clash with the essential nature of the hero as exemplified by Harry Potter and his allies. I've read all the Harry Potter novels multiple times, discussed them at length with friends, read essays analyzing them, and even published an essay of my own. Yet Ari Armstrong's Values of Harry Potter offered me a delightful array of fresh insights into J. K. Rowling's works. It offers fans of the Harry Potter a unique opportunity to explore the core values of the novels, to discover why we find them so captivating and so inspiring. Readers will develop a deeper appreciation for Rowling's achievement in portraying life-loving, courageous heroes. They will discover compelling answers to any half-formed questions and doubts about the significance of her Christian themes. When I re-read the Harry Potter series -- as I'm eager to do again -- I will gain far more insight and inspiration from them than ever before, thanks to Values of Harry Potter. --Diana Hsieh, NoodleFood, "Dursley Duplicity" in Harry Potter and Philosophy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jedc53 Posted April 14, 2010 Report Share Posted April 14, 2010 I have shown your link.Harry potter is a great character.I loved the series,but the books are very plot driven, and don't carry as much character development and depth as most great novels.It builds imagination, and strengthens creativity. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tyranitar Posted June 3, 2011 Report Share Posted June 3, 2011 No wonder my uber catholic aunt and uncle keep their kids from Harry potter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. Wynand Posted June 3, 2011 Report Share Posted June 3, 2011 Possible spoilers: I haven't read the seventh book, but one of my favorite lines in the movie was from Dobby. Something like, "Dobbie has no master! Dobbie is a free elf!" as he fearlessly stands up to evil. Balancedbill 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
philosopher Posted June 3, 2011 Report Share Posted June 3, 2011 It's deeper than "Dobbie is a free elf!" political stuff, it's metaphysical too. Even though they are ostensibly casting magical spells, they can't just make them work by clicking their fingers. They have to learn the exact incantation and exact hand actions etc. So even though it's magic it's really cause and effect. It's very English in that way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tyranitar Posted June 8, 2011 Report Share Posted June 8, 2011 It's deeper than "Dobbie is a free elf!" political stuff, it's metaphysical too. Even though they are ostensibly casting magical spells, they can't just make them work by clicking their fingers. They have to learn the exact incantation and exact hand actions etc. So even though it's magic it's really cause and effect. It's very English in that way. Except for house elves like Dobby himself all just snap their fingers for magic to happen. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rdrdrdrd Posted June 9, 2011 Report Share Posted June 9, 2011 The magic of house elves is not fully explained though, they may very well have to learn how to snap their fingers or something else to go along with it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skylab72 Posted February 21, 2014 Report Share Posted February 21, 2014 Any technology sufficiently advanced, is to the naive observer, indistinguishable from magic. [isaac Asimov] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eiuol Posted February 21, 2014 Report Share Posted February 21, 2014 That quote is Arthur C. Clarke and the quote is actually "Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic". Misattributed quotes really bother me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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