In the Westworld theme park, viewers are told “figuring out how it all works is half the fun.” Figuring out how it all works was an integral part of putting together this book – figuring out the story we would tell, figuring out how the ideas would flow, and occasional moments of figuring out if we ourselves were humans or androids programmed to work on this book. Be us android or human, we were ultimately successful.
Figuring out how it all works in order to put together Westworld and Philosophy required many people working together with the diligence, precision, and efficiency necessary to operate the Westworld theme park. We would like to thank our contributing authors, who met important deadlines while contributing quality work in the interest of producing a story that told a deeper truth. Bill Irwin, the Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture series editor, offered invaluable assistance in every stage of the process.
Kimberly thanks James for inviting me to work on the project and for his assistance in helping me figure out how it all works. In the future I would love to join him on another collaborative project, as long as our ambitions never become as complex and morally dubious as those in the partnership of Robert Ford and Arnold Weber.
Kimberly would also like to thank Roxi Engels for recommending I watch the show, as well as Umair Khan for watching it with me and engaging in the philosophical conversations that followed. He also put up with me being busier than usual for a few months, which he always takes in stride. I also extend thanks to Moriah Khan, a daughter I would always be willing to leave the train for.
Last, Kimberly thanks the late Susanne Foster for the work she did in the beginning stages of this volume as well as her positive influence in many people’s lives. Susanne helped me figure out how it all works many times during my academic career, especially as a young graduate student. I am deeply humbled for the opportunity to take over a project that Susanne began.
James thanks Kimberly for stepping in under difficult circumstances and doing first rate co‐editing. I also take this opportunity to acknowledge Rick, Kim, Mary, Rosemary, Kristy, Heather, Peggy, and Linda, who make my work environment a delight every day. I also dedicate this volume to Richard, Katherine, and Arthur for being who they are. Susanne would be very proud.