JULIAN BAGGINI - Why Homer Simpson Is Our Greatest Philosopher

I like Julian Baggini - he's one of my favorite young philosophers. In this article from The Sun (UK), he argues (persuasively) that our greatest philosopher is not Galen Strawson, not Daniel Dennett, not Julia Kristeva, not Slavoj Zizek, not Patricia Churchland, not John Searle, not Martha Nussbaum, not Jurgen Habermas, not David Chalmers . . . nope, it's Homer Simpson. I'm cool with that.

Why Homer Simpson is our greatest philosopher

Homer Simpson ... deep in thought

By philosopher and author JULIAN BAGGINI

Published: 11th February 2012

THE Simpsons reaches a milestone 500th episode next Sunday.

Homer and his family made their debut in the US in 1987, and the cartoon has since become America's longest-running sitcom.

It also holds the world record for guest appearances, with cameos from hundreds of stars including Elizabeth Taylor, Tom Jones, Ricky Gervais and Sting.

Wikileaks founder Julian Assange will appear when the 500th episode premieres in the States.

Here the editor of The Philosophers' Magazine, tells why he thinks the series is more than just a giggle.

THE Simpsons' landmark 500th episode is not bad for a cartoon.

But for me, The Simpsons is much more than a funny animated series — it's a work of philosophy.

And it does philosophy better than most philosophers.

Some people think comedy can never be as deep as serious philosophy. I disagree.

Comedy is the most truthful art form we have. 

Cameo ... Ricky Gervais, Elizabeth Taylor and Tom Jones

It's great at puncturing any illusions we might have that we're wise or important.

In one episode, Homer is ill and wonders: "What if I wind up as some vegetable, watching TV on the couch? My important work will never be completed."

"Society's loss, I suppose," says Marge. 

Indeed - read the whole article.