Sharon Kaye teaches Philosophy at John Carroll University and is the chief editor of the book LOST and Philosophy: The Island Has Its Reasons. Amazon.com has this to say about Sharon’s book:Sometimes it feels like you need a Ph.D. to follow the show. But you don't. You just need this book in which twenty-one philosophers explore the deep questions we all face as survivors on this planet: Does "everything happen for a reason"? Is torture ever justified? Who are the Others? How do we know we're not patients in Hurley's psych ward? What if the Dharma Initiative is experimenting on us? Desmond may not be able to save Charlie, but this book could save you.
Sharon’s book is currently in process of a second edition by the publisher. Very soon you can expect a full review of Sharon’s book right here on LOSTblog.com. Here is what Sharon had to say about the show:
Q. How long have you been watching Lost? If you've been watching since the pilot,
can you remember your reaction to it?
A. I've been watching since the pilot. I remember thinking I would never get on another
airplane again
Q. How did Lost get its polar bear claws into you? What about it got you hooked?
A. I like the idea that what seems like a tragedy may actually be the best thing that
ever happened to you.
Q. Favorite character?
A. Kate
Q. Least favorite character?
A. Jin
Q. Favorite episode or season?
A. The Constant
Q. Least favorite episode or season?
A. Expose
Q. Team Jack or Team Locke?
A. Team Jack!
Q. If you have to be one of the following, which would it be and why: an 815
survivor, an Other or a member of the Dharma Initiative?
A. I would be an 815 survivor--then I would have a better chance at Jack or Sawyer, or
both.
Q. Which character's demise were you most upset to see happening?
A. Charlie's. Especially since it reflected his real life break-up with Kate.
Q. Tell us a bit about your site, e.g. why you started it, how it runs and your
Post-Season 6 plans for it, etc.
A. I don't have a site but I edited a book called Lost and Philosophy. It has chapters
by philosophers from around the world analyzing the philosophical elements of the
show. It came out in the fall of 2007. We are currently preparing a revised and
expanded edition to include the second half of the series. It will be out in the
winter of 2010.
Q. What are your favorite online Lost communities, blogs, podcasts, etc.? (Besides us, of course!)
A. Hulu, where I can watch Lost episodes almost commercial-free anytime.
Q. Tell us something interesting/scary/amusing/downright crazy about how your
place in the Lost fan-verse has changed your life.
A. I watched the first season with my boyfriend at the time. Through conversations
about Claire and Aaron I realized that he was not the right person for me. I broke
up with him, married someone else, and now I have a baby of my own.
Q. You're in an elevator with someone who has never watched Lost. You got on in
the lobby and you're both headed to the fifteenth floor. How do you convince them
to buy and watch all the DVDs before the elevator gets there?
A. What better way to spend a cold winter night than on a tropical island with scantily
clad adventurers?
Q. How do you plan on combatting PLDS (Post Lost Distress Syndrome), or do you
think we're all destined to end up continuously re-watching our Lost The Complete
Series Ultimate DVD Box Set for the rest of our lives?
A. I have no doubt that the creators of Lost will go on to do more great things. I'll
be watching for their next ventures.
Q. What do you think will be Lost's legacy?
A. Through its unique use of flashbacks and flashforwards Lost requires viewers to put
the story together in their own minds. We enjoy this because it is active
participation rather than just passive observation. I think non-linear narrative
will become more and more common, making the traditional, chronological narrative
obsolete.
Lostblog greatly appreciates Sharon taking the time to do this interview with us. If you are looking for a great read this season, we hope you will check out her book.
