Sociology of the Good Place

Catalog description

This course draws upon the philosophical and sociological considerations outlined in the TV show The Good Place to grapple with the central question: to what degree is ethical consumption possible under modern capitalism? Students will watch segments of the show at home and read articles relating to given segment. The readings will cover a wide range of topics, from moral philosophy (based on the in-show teachings of the character Chidi Anagonye, a professor of ethics and moral philosophy), to gender and sexuality (emphasizing for example, the “not-a-girl” character of Janet, who has become a non-binary icon in popular cultural discourse, or the fluid sexuality of the protagonist Eleanor Shellstrop). Ultimately, this course will aim to adjudicate individual responsibility within a complex and corrupt social and economic system as summarized perfectly in the following quote from the third season: “In America, everyone does whatever they want, society did break down, it’s terrible, and it’s great! You only look out for number one, scream at whoever disagrees with you, there are no bees because they all died, and if you need surgery you just beg for money on the internet.” - Eleanor Shellstrop Satisfies Sociology major requirement. Satisfies Social-Scientific Thought requirement.