Jim Henson and Philosophy

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.

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

Timothy M. Dale is an assistant professor of political science at the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse, where he teaches courses on political philosophy. He is coeditor of the collections Homer Simpson Ponders Politics: Popular Culture as Political Theory (2013) and Homer Simpson Marches on Washington: Dissent in American Popular Culture (2010).

Joseph J. Foy is associate campus dean at the University of Wisconsin-Waukesha. He edited the award-winning Homer Simpson Goes to Washington: Politics as Popular Culture (2008) and SpongeBob Square Pants and Philosophy (2011), and co-edited Homer Simpson Ponders Politics: Popular Culture as Political Theory (2013) and Homer Simpson Marches on Washington: Dissent in American Popular Culture (2010).

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