Sophie's World

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I always have had a slight urging to learn about philosophy, but I never did because I had no where to begin. However, my best friend finally (after speaking highly of it for ages) lent me her copy of 'Sophie's World'.

Has anyone read this? I am not even half through, and I have already gained more summarized knowledge than expected. I love it - I can barely put it down.

Are there any other books similar to this that would continue my learning process after I complete SW?

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Sophie's World is probably one of a kind. To continue your learning process, you might have to read an actual philosophy book. (gulp) If there's another like it, I'd certainly like to read it myself. Smile

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Actual philosophy book? You mean, no longer be spoon-fed through plot and fantasy? Blasphemy! :wink:

I may just be prepared to jump into that brave new world after I'm done with the book. Who knows?

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be of good cheer, there's the equally incomparable--is that oxymoronic?--Philosophy for Beginners by Richard Osborne. it's even illustrated! (with cartoons; be a kick to give this to some kid to read in class, and when the teacher comes to take it away, discovers it's about philosophy) it won't advance you much farther on the road to enlightenment than Sophie's Choice, but it should provide entertainment.

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Funny how I was thinking of borrowing this book a couple of days ago. From what I've read in reviews and such, it's basically a philosophy lesson with a minor side-storyline?

I was looking through the index and I don't seem to find any eastern philosophies in this book...

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correct on both counts; plot for the most part merely links discussions of philosophy topics, and the discussions are limited to western philosophy. in short, it's a good intro to western philosophy, neither overly technical, nor watered down.

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Yes - it was perfect for me for the reason of being just Western philosophy - I already study Eastern. I had always heard about Socrates, Aristotle (of course! Who hasn't?) but I couldn't honestly tell you one fact about them. That bugged me - and so I took my friend's offer to read this book. I'm still only about half-way through, but not due to lack of interest, merely time available to read.

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This is a good book. The mystery isn't bad either.

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Theo's Odyssey
If you want a book in the same kind of... Whatever Sophie's World is then try "Theo's Odyssey" by Catherine Clement, I loved Sophie's World, Im only 40 pages into Theo's Odyssey and Im hooked!

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Thanks. What's it about?

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It's not exactly in the same vein as Sophie's, but I really liked Zen and the Art of Motorcylce Maintenance by Robert Pirsig. It's kind of like applied philosophy, I guess. Anyone read it?

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it's been a while, but i did read that. he also wrote a sequel, Lila, which i have but haven't read.

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I had no idea there was a sequel. That's awesome. Thanks for mentioning it. Very Happy

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Well, there are a lot of applied philosophy books out there...one that comes to mind quickly would have to be The Brothers Karamazov. It has the whole...god vs. not-god thing.... And, well, if you want story and everything, try books of philosophers like Nietzsche (thus spake Zathasura) and Sarte (Nausea?). Of course, they don't spoon-feed. Being spoon-fed is the best.

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Thanks for following up on this topic, guys. I've been a bit neglectful myself Embarrassed

I will consider all the books mentioned.

I have read Zen and the Art of Motercycle Maintenance - wonderful! One you can read over and over.

I also didn't know there was a sequel! Well, thanks Yitwail - you learn something new everyday Very Happy

Bakku,

Mmm - spoon-fed. I agree completely. :wink:

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Here are two internet sites you might want to rumage around in.

The Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy
http://www.iep.utm.edu/

Philosophy Pages
http://www.philosophypages.com/

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Thanks Acqu Very Happy

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I'm pretty sure the author of Sophie's World wrote another in similar vein but I don't think it had the same impact.

A good book I've found is "One Hundred Years of Philosophy" by John Passmore. Also the "History of Western Philosophy" by Bertrand Russell.

Both big reads but available in paperback and you can dip in and out as you see fit.

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