Ted Lasso and Philosophy: About That TOC
Whatever could those chapter titles mean?
It has been a joy to develop Ted Lasso and Philosophy, along with 20 amazing contributors. Anyone who loves Lasso or philosophy should find something of value here.
Ted Lasso arrived at just the right moment, in summer of 2020 when we were all looking for a bright spot amid much despair. It was the exact right show for such a time. But it’s much more than glitter and sunshine. There’s depth in Ted Lasso this book aims to draw out.
The TOC and opening pages are available at the Amazon link. Our titles are intentionally playful and suggestive, less informative and self-evident. So a quick rundown of the topics might be in order.
Do the Right-est Thing
“On the Pitch with Saint Augustine” by @SeanStrehlow leverages Augustine’s notion of rightly-ordered love (“ordo amoris”) to explore fundamental conflicts between characters & the internal change needed for reconciliation & flourishing. Sean’s chapter is available as a preview at this link.
“Isaac Finds His Flow” by Elizabeth Schiltz playfully explores resonances between Isaac’s disposition and Daoism, specifically the philosophy of Zhuangzi in his simplicity and virtuosity as a leader and player.
“Ted Talk, Precursive Faith, and the Ethics of Belief” by David Baggett draws on William James’ notion of precursive faith, believing ahead of the evidence, as necessary for its possibility (such as Richmond beating Everton, despite the long losing streak). David’s chapter is available as a sample at this link.
“Is Ted an Egoist?” by Robert Begley and Carrie-Ann Biondi take Ted at his word when he tells Sharon his favorite book is Ayn Rand’s The Fountainhead. Curveball, right? But Begley and Biondi make a strong case for how it might make sense of what drives Ted.
The Best Versions of Ourselves
“Fear’s a Lot Like Underwear” by Corey Latta considers the role of a different book briefly referenced in the show: James Hollis’ The Middle Passage. Ted finds this book on Sharon’s coffee table, and Latta helps us see how it serves as more than mere prop.
“Lassoing Aristotle” by Joseph Forte examines the show through an Aristotelian lens, arguing that the philosopher’s virtue ethics dovetails with a modern “strengths-focused” approach to character development.
“Ted Lasso’s Personal Dilemma Squad” by Keith Loftin details how the characters model true friendship, which ultimate requires genuinely desiring and pursuing another’s highest good.
“The Affable Gaffer” by Andy Wible extends the examination of friendship in Ted Lasso, focusing specifically on whether coaches and players can be friends. Is friendship possible across imbalanced power dynamics?
Man City
“Poop in the Punchbowl” by Caleb Husmann and Elizabeth Kusko draws on Harry Frankfurt’s work to show how Ted Lasso’s earnestness is a bulwark against ever-increasing cultural nonsense.
“Doing Masculinity Better” by Marcus Arvan highlights how the show’s positive vision of masculinity, one that can benefit men and women alike and help them overcome and contribute to healing from toxic masculinity.
“Inverting the Gender Pyramid” by Willie Young emphasizes the characters’ individual and collective struggle against gender oppression. Lasso teaches that when practiced as an act of love, coaching can create the bonds that help to make this transformation possible.
“Who is Right, Ted or Beard?” by Mike Austin considers a question at the heart of Ted Lasso: What really matters in sports? Ted tells Trent he doesn’t concern himself with wins and losses. Beard pushes back. Austin helps us think through the disagreement.
Mostly Football Is Life
“Amplifying Emotion and Warmth at Richmond” by Lance Belluomini reflects on the intricate musical achievements of Ted Lasso and helps us understand how the music of the show enhances our aesthetic appreciation of the series.
“Is This All Indeed a Simulation?” by Andrew Zimmerman Jones takes Beard’s late-night musings as his jumping-off point: “If this is all indeed a simulation, which everything in my experience suggests it is, then all we can do is tip our caps to the rascal pulling the strings.”
“Kansas City Candide Meets Compassionate Camus” by Kimberly Blessing sees limitations to Ted’s optimism, opting instead for a clear-eyed realism more in line with what Camus called “strange hope.”
“Ted’s Chestertonian Optimism” by Austin Freeman considers what grounding, if any, there might be for Ted’s optimism, using G. K. Chesterton as a lens by which to see Ted’s strengths and vulnerabilities more clearly.
Smells Like Potential
“What To Do with Tough Cookies” by David Baggett and me looks at Trent Crimm and the requirements of journalistic ethics. Namely, how should we understand Trent revealing Nate as his source for the expose on Ted? H/T to Brandon Ambrosino and Adam Snavely for help on this chapter!
“Stoic Bossgirl” by Elizabeth Quinn explore Rebecca’s journey from vengeful ex-wife to feminist Stoic. A Goodreads review noted this chapter as a standout among overall excellent chapters.
“Why a Headbutt Would Have Hurt Nate Less” by Georgina Mills considers how Roy’s quick forgiveness of Nate for making moves on Keeley downplays Nate as a moral agent. As the title goes, a headbutt might have hurt less than that.
“Is Rupert Beyond Redemption?” by me grapples with the show’s villain. How does Rupert fit into the feel-good world of Ted Lasso? What are we to make of him? It’s an important question, and I try to offer some plausible answers that are true to the show’s spirit.
Bonus Appendix
“Beard’s Bookshelf” by me is a playful bibliography of many of the books featured in the show. Taking my cue from Coach Beard’s Book Club, the wonderful project exploring the many books of Ted Lasso, this appendix catalogues the show’s key literary references.
As this rundown shows, we had a great time digging into Ted Lasso and drawing out nuggets of wisdom it offers. If you’re a fan of the show or of philosophy, this volume has something for you. We’d be honored if you checked it out.
