Is Lady Whistledown's gossip harmless fun, disrespectful discourse, or a morally valuable tool? What happens when love and duty conflict? And what is love, anyway? Does Penelope deserve Eloise's forgiveness? What do we mean by happiness in the happily ever after? Do we have to follow society's rules, and what happens if we don't? What do Lady Whistledown, Queen Charlotte, and the Duke of Hastings have to do with philosophy? As it turns out--quite a lot. Bridgerton and Philosophy peels back the layers of the hit Netflix series (and the Julia Quinn novels behind it) to explore big questions about love, power, happiness, and identity. From the ethics of gossip to the nature of true friendship, from societal rules to personal freedom, this new collection of witty, thought-provoking essays takes you far beyond the dance floor. Bridgerton and Philosophy's twenty-two chapters are written by philosophical experts and fans who believe that it is much more than sexy, swoony fun. You'll consider whether Daphne and Simon's romance meets the standards of good sex, what Lady Danbury can teach us about living authentically, and whether Penelope and Eloise's friendship is truly feminist. The authors also tackle topics such as race and representation in the world of Bridgerton, the implications of the Great Experiment, and whether Bridgerton's romantic endings actually deliver on the promise of happiness. All in a tone that's as smart and entertaining as your favorite scandal sheet. Bridgerton and Philosophy is perfect for fans of Bridgerton and Queen Charlotte who want to dive deeper into the stories they love. No philosophy degree required--just curiosity, passion, and maybe a glass of ratafia.