LoveReading Says
LoveReading Says
A stimulating, fresh, and thoughtful read that ponders and wanders through some of the big questions in philosophy. When I initially picked this book up, I did wonder whether it was a quirky guide to training your dog, I very quickly realised that it is in fact an interesting introduction to philosophy (for humans). The author Anthony McGowan is an award winning writer for children and young adults, and has lectured widely on creative writing and philosophy (he has a BA, Mphil and PhD in philosophy). He has joined the two together to produce the most fabulous book for anyone who has questions about the way we humans think and act. The author and his dog Monty chat about philosophy on their daily walks. And so we join them as they take a humorous light stroll through some really pretty big subjects, including happiness and ethics. It made me consider and think about some of the things I take for granted, the discussion between the two helps stimulate thoughts. There is one part where I simultaneously wanted to berate and hug the pair, you’ll know what I mean when you get there! At the end there are suggestions for further reading, including on logic, and the meaning of life. If you’re at all curious about philosophy and want a fascinating introduction, then look no further than How To Teach Philosophy to Your Dog as it is a wonderfully inspiring read.
Liz Robinson
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How to Teach Philosophy to Your Dog Synopsis
Monty was just like any other dog. A scruffy and irascible Maltese terrier, he enjoyed barking at pugs and sniffing at trees. But after yet another dramatic confrontation with the local Rottweiler, Anthony McGowan realises it's high time he and Monty had a chat about what makes him a good or a bad dog.
And they don't stop at ethics. Taking his cue from Monty's canine antics, McGowan leads us on an enlightening jaunt through the world of philosophy. Will Kant convince Monty to stop stealing cheesecake? How long will they put up with Socrates poking holes in every argument? Do they have free will to pursue answers to these questions?
Join the dutiful duo as they set out to uncover who - if anyone - has the right end of the ethical stick and can tell us how best to live one's life. But there is also a shadow over their conversations. Monty is not well... And so towards the end the biggest questions raise their heads: is there a God? Does life have a meaning? By the time of their last walk together, Monty - and the reader - will find that they have not just solved a few philosophical puzzles, but absorbed much of the history of Western philosophy.
About This Edition
| ISBN: |
9781786078209 |
| Publication date: |
6th August 2020 |
| Author: |
Anthony Mcgowan |
| Publisher: |
Oneworld Publications |
| Format: |
Paperback |
| Pagination: |
336 pages |
| Series: |
How to Teach |
| Primary Genre |
Popular Science
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| Other Genres: |
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Press Reviews
Anthony Mcgowan Press Reviews
‘Filled with sparkling insights, a joy from start to finish. In turns witty, brilliant and irreverent, McGowan explains nothing less than the meaning of life – to his dog. If only we were all as lucky as Monty to go for long walks with the author…’ Peter Frankopan, author of The Silk Roads
`Filled with sparkling insights, a joy from start to finish. In turns witty, brilliant and irreverent, McGowan explains nothing less than the meaning of life - to his dog. If only we were all as lucky as Monty to go for long walks with the author...' -- Peter Frankopan, author of The Silk Roads 'An accessible, amusing guide to key philosophical questions...Perfect for novice philosophers.' - Idler
`Readable, funny but enlightening...accessible and illuminating.' - Church of England Newspaper
`This is the most entertaining and accessible introduction to philosophy I have read. I doubt there can ever have been more delightful exponents of Socratic dialogue than McGowan and Monty, his dog.' -- Tom Holland `There is no sharper, funnier, cleverer writer in Britain today.' -- Robert Twigger, author of Micromastery -
Author
About Anthony Mcgowan
Anthony McGowan is the author of many critically acclaimed YA novels and won the 2006 BookTrust Teenage Prize, the 2007 Catalyst Award and has been shortlisted for a raft of other major children’s literature prizes, including the Carnegie Medal for Rook in 2018. McGowan was born in Manchester, attended school in Leeds and now lives in London.
More About Anthony Mcgowan
