January 25, 2010

Book 5: Plato and a Platypus Walk into a Bar

Plato and a Platypus Walk into a Bar: Understanding Philosophy Through Jokes
Thomas Cathcart and Daniel Klein

There isn't too much to be said for this book, which basically lives up to its title and provides readers with a fun, quick glossary of major philosophical terms as the authors liven up an esoteric and thought-based discipline. Divided into sections covering everything from metaphysics to metaphilosophy, Cathcart and Klein construct a sort of narrative, traveling through the most important philosophical questions in an order that makes sense and with astounding clarity. Jokes aside, it is clear that the authors know their philosophy and bring a genuine desire to help readers gain an understanding of the field, difficult as it may be. The jokes, of course, do not hurt and in fact the authors are able to deftly pull off the whole conceit: philosophy may in fact be at its best and most accessible when revealed through these jokes, all of which sufficiently illustrate a principle as intended and many of which deserve audible chuckling or re-telling. Recurring characters Dimitri and Tasso introduce and conclude each chapter with a bit of weak shtick, but they do provide a way for readers to see how the philosophy to follow (or preceding) can arise from questions puzzling real (or are we?) people living in the real (or is it?) world. Plato and a Platypus Walk into a Bar will provide a basic philosophical background to newcomers but, more importantly, has great value as a reference book as well, ready to clarify with solid examples. While its authors can exude a bit too much comedic bravado in their passages introducing philosophical principles and the jokes that (always brilliantly) illustrate them, Plato and a Platypus Walk into a Bar is a quick, entertaining, and accessible guide to philosophy, which after all may well deserve to be approached with tongue firmly in cheek.

Grade: A

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