Chuck, Appearance and Reality: Everyday Philosophy in a TV Spy Comedy

Author:   Kelly Dean Jolley
Publisher:   University of Exeter Press
ISBN:  

9781804132357


Pages:   260
Publication Date:   20 January 2026
Format:   Hardback
Availability:   In Print   Availability explained
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Chuck, Appearance and Reality: Everyday Philosophy in a TV Spy Comedy


Overview

How can we know the minds of others? How can we make our own mind known? On the face of it, Chuck appears to be a fun and funny network TV show merging spy thriller with romantic comedy, a piece of popular art. But the show reveals hidden depths, exploring paradoxes of the human condition in each episode, and justifying a closer reading. This book uncovers the density and resonance of this beloved TV show through a full-length study rooted in ordinary language philosophy. Chuck’s journey from ‘Everyman’ to reluctant spy, constantly grappling with the blurred lines between his real life and his espionage adventures, is rich material for philosophical reflection. The book delves into the show’s intricate narrative and character arcs, unearthing profound insights into themes of appearance and reality, trust, identity and the complexities of human connection. By paying close attention to language and dialogue, the book exposes the plights of minds that the characters’ words reveal and conceal. Kelly Dean Jolley, the author, has written extensively on Wittgenstein and ordinary language (everyday) philosophy, as well as on Seinfeld and The Simpsons. This volume will appeal to those interested in Chuck, TV-Philosophy, and the problem of other minds. It is written to be accessible to any reflective reader.

Full Product Details

Author:   Kelly Dean Jolley
Publisher:   University of Exeter Press
Imprint:   University of Exeter Press
Dimensions:   Width: 15.60cm , Height: 1.50cm , Length: 23.40cm
Weight:   0.540kg
ISBN:  

9781804132357


ISBN 10:   1804132357
Pages:   260
Publication Date:   20 January 2026
Audience:   Professional and scholarly ,  Professional & Vocational
Format:   Hardback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   In Print   Availability explained
This item will be ordered in for you from one of our suppliers. Upon receipt, we will promptly dispatch it out to you. For in store availability, please contact us.

Table of Contents

Preface and Acknowledgments Part I: FRAMING THE READINGS 1. The Birthday Present: Being and Having the Intersect 2. Echo Park: Real Love in the Panopticon? 3. Chuck Bartowski: The Comfort of the (Nerd) Herd 4. Sarah Walker: My Middle Name Is Lisa Part II: THE READINGS 5. Of the Terrible Doubt of Appearances 6. Under the Cover(s) 7. A Really Real Relationship? 8. The Slough of Despond 9. Exit Exam 10. Exorcizing Despair 11. High Anxieties 12. Making Vows 13. Assembling Reminders 14. The Aftermath: The Kiss and a Few Loose Ends Notes Bibliography Index

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Author Information

Kelly Dean Jolley is Professor of Philosophy at Auburn University. He is the author of The Concept ‘Horse’ Paradox and Wittgenstein Conceptual Investigations and the editor of Wittgenstein: Key Concepts.

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