The Complete Philosophy Files

by Stephen Law, Daniel Postgate (Illustrator)

Is there a God, should I eat meat, where does the universe come from, could I live for ever as a robot? These are the big questions readers will be wrestling with in this thoroughly enjoyable book. Dip into any chapter and you will find lively scenarios and dialogues to take you through philosophical puzzles ancient and modern, involving virtual reality, science fiction and a host of characters from this and other planets. The text is interspersed on every page with lively cartoons, and there is a list of philosophical jargon at the end..

Stephen Law has a gift for communicating complex ideas. He offers few answers, but his unstuffy, highly personal approach will have the reader thinking and arguing with as much pleasure as he does himself.

Genres: Philosophy, Nonfiction

416 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2011

About the author

Stephen Law is a philosopher who teaches at Heythrop College in the University of London. He also edits the journal THINK, a source of philosophy aimed at the general public, affiliated with The Royal Institute of Philosophy.

Reviews

[Tanya · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has a very specific philosophy audience. If you are new to philosophy and interested in philosophical questions, this is the book for you! Law works through questions using dialogue and cartoons in a way that is easily understood and incredibly accessible for most readers. He brings a sense of humour to the issues that he is writing about and makes a point of stopping and asking the reader to think about what they think with regards to the question being examined.

If you are an experienced reader of philosophy, this is NOT the book for you. This book is definitely an introduction. Very few theories are mentioned by name and very philosophers are mentioned by name either. Each question is looked at from a beginner's point of view. If you already have that, there is nothing for you to see here.

[Hilary Chan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspirational read.
I like how the arguments are presented with a wide range of examples for demonstration. They are easy to understand and help me a lot by guiding my thought processes. Now, I'm thrilled to find another book on philosophical topics!

[Gokce · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it, such a gentle introduction to philosophy, at least for me.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book is perfect for people who don't know much about philosophy. you don't have to be invested or even particularly that interested in philosophy to enjoy and take something out of this book. i wasn't sure how much i was going to like it but i actually loved it!
stephen law kept it very entertaining with his sense of humor and the situations he used to explain the philosophical arguments.
it was hardly ever confusing, and i found each chapter really fascinating. i also like how he looked at both arguments and counterarguments.
the chapters each followed a question, such as "should i eat meat" and went pretty in depth at arguments for and against the question. each chapter starts pretty specifically talking about the question, but then becomes more broad. for example in the chapter "should i eat meat" the argument broadened to "why do humans think its okay to eat animals but not other humans".
overall this book was super interesting and really entertaining!

[Felix Xu · Rating 5 out of 5]

HERE LIES A BOOK OF MYSTERY. this amazing book contains lots of mind bending questions for example 'is it morally right to eat meat' or 'is it right to kill' or 'does God exist'

[George · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent for reading with a child/teen

[Siobhan Markwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple bite-sized question and answer style explanations of some of philosophy's biggest and most mind-bending questions. Read with my children and finished off myself ten years later! Clear and humorous, it's highly recommended for anyone who wants an accessible introduction to philosophy.

[Reader · Rating 1 out of 5]

A fantastic introduction to philosophy for anyone looking to expand their knowledge. The book is well-organized, easy to follow, and covers a wide range of topics. I've already recommended it to friends and family!

[Istvan Zoltan · Rating 4 out of 5]

a fun, accessible, well-written book with tons of examples, creative scenarios

good material for high school and lower level uni classes, dinners, etc.

[Emily W · Rating 4 out of 5]

A basic, easy to understand introduction to Philosophy. I really liked how the author presented both sides of the arguments equally, and especially the respect shown towards religious viewpoints.

[K.arma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it! Interesting and really captures popular philosophical debates without dragging it on!! If you are a beginner in the philosophical world, a must read!!

[Napalmlolita · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad, but very elementary. Check out Peter Cave's "The Big Think Book" if you want more sophisticated philosophizing.

[Oscar Despard · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book for someone with no previous experience or understanding of philosophy.