Sophie's World: A Novel About the History of Philosophy (FSG Classics) | Jostein Gaarder

Sophie's World: A Novel About the History of Philosophy (FSG Classics) | Jostein Gaarder | Philosophy Through A Child's Eyes - Brilliant!

books:

Sophie's World: A ...

	Sophie's World: A Novel About the History of Philosophy (FSG Classics) Jostein Gaarder Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2007 - 544 pages average customer review:based on 577 reviews view larger image
	for more information click here

highly recommended

A physicist's view

I don't give five stars lightly, but this book deserves them. The only thing I find lacking a little is that the few explanations of physical phenomena to be found in the book, leave something to be desired. But the philosophy is very well explained, without the usual technical jargon that makes it difficult to digest for the beginner. If you have a "love of wisdom" (that's what philosophy means,) and some inclination for abstract thinking, this book can serve a very good short introduction to the subject. At the same time, the story interwoven with the philosophy classes is very very imaginative, and makes you want to keep reading to know how will all end.
Several things are left unresolved. For instance, will Alberto and Sophie be able to go back to the real world? Are her mother and friends also part of the "ghost world"? I got the impression at the end that the author was thinking on a sequel. I'd love a sequel on a more detailed treatment of analytical philosophy and logical positivism, including the work of Wittgenstein, Bertrand Russel, Rudolf Carnap , A. J. Ayer and Willard van Orman Quine. He could throw in a little propositional logic for good measure. The story should continue with the same characters of course.
And why stop there? He could have a sequel on the concepts of Math and another on Physics, for example. :-) Just kidding, but I liked the style of the presentation so much, that the idea of the sequels came to me. I might be tempted some day on writing the Math and Physics parts myself, without plagiarizing of course.

for more information click here

Philosophy Through A Child's Eyes - Brilliant!

With a great mix of history, rhetoric and wonder, this story gives you a great knowledge of the history of philosophy simplified through the eyes of 12-year-old Sophie.

While getting her mail one day she stumbles upon a mysterious envelope in her mailbox, and the story unfolds. While slow to start, this novel picks up speed as she delves deeper into the different schools of philosophy until everything she considered true in the world is flipped.

A great read for anyone who likes books that make them think. Not a light beach read or a novel to skim through. This will stay with you long after it finds a home on your bookshelf.

for more information click here