One ISU professor is breaking away from traditional teaching methods and using films to draw his students into philosophical discussions.

Joseph Kupfer, professor of philosophy and religious studies, said he started using videos in his courses and fewer novels to make points about moral issues for students who learn better visually.

“We get to talk about movies such as ‘Groundhog Day,’ ‘Aliens’ and ‘Rob Roy,’ which have philosophical views on moral character in them,” he said.

Kupfer’s idea of using films to demonstrate moral issues inspired him to write a book about his methods.

“I just got hooked,” he said. “I got sucked in by the movies. The movies drew me in, and I thought ‘God, there’s so much here.'”

Kupfer said his research for his book “Visions of Virtue in Popular Film” came from talking to students.

The book deals with the concept that movies with mass appeal can expand understanding of morality.

“What’s great about teaching this is that students get excited and force you to see things you missed,” he said.

By using movies in courses such as Philosophy of Law and Medical Ethics, Kupfer said he hopes his students can pick up habits of viewing, analyzing and appreciating movies.

Michael Bishop, associate professor and chairman of philosophy and religious studies, said Kupfer’s book shows how philosophy can be fun and appealing.

“His work really provides an avenue to philosophy that is very accessible,” Bishop said.

Kupfer said it was significant for him to use movies that appeal to a wide audience.

“It’s harder to be a mass-appeal, important movie and be philosophical,” he said.

Kupfer said he wanted to articulate the moral interplay in popular movies.

“I hope it’s a guide for other people, and I hope they explore even more than I do,” he said.

Mass-marketed films aren’t only a part of popular culture but also a part of moral philosophy, Kupfer said.

“Popular culture is pregnant with philosophical viewpoints, and it always has been,” he said.