Jim Henson and Philosophy

Jim Henson and Philosophy: Imagination and the Magic of Mayhem is an upcoming 280-page academic anthology edited by Timothy Dale and Joseph Foy. The book explores philosophical topics within the works of Jim Henson and the Muppets.

Contributors to the anthology include: Lauren Ashwell, Kimberly Baltzer-Jaray, David R. Burns, Deborah R. Burns, Samantha Brennan, Amanda Cawston, Brooke Covington, Christopher M. Culp, Ryan Cox, Natalie M. Fletcher, Victoria Hubbell, Dena Hurst, Christopher Ketcham, S. Evan Kreider, Shaun Leonard, Jennifer Marra, Michael J. Muniz, Laurel Ralston, Rhona Trauvitch, and Sheryl Tuttle Ross.

Craig Yoe, former creative director and manager of the Muppets, wrote a foreword for the book.

Description
"Jim Henson’s creations have inspired generations with characters that are among the world’s most recognizable cultural icons. From Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy and their Muppet friends, to the legendary Sesame Street and the Children's Television Workshop, Henson has immeasurably impacted the growth, development and substance of children’s educational entertainment. Combining live-action and puppeteering into fantastical narratives like The Dark Crystal and Labyrinth, and the whimsical Fraggle Rock and The Storyteller, Henson transforms imagination into reality, weaving powerful philosophical messages on identity, community, diversity, love, death, and friendship. Henson's legacy endures because he never shied away from exploring deep questions, nor underestimated the ability of children (or adults) to grapple with profound philosophical questions. Anyone who grew up with his stories, or has fallen in love with his characters, will enjoy this book's exploration of the entertaining, educational and profound world of Jim Henson."