Illuminating Philosophy: Stories Beyond Boundaries

by Samuel Gorovitz, Arthur L. Caplan (Foreword)

In these 25 true stories, a widely published philosopher recounts 60 years of interaction with people in all walks of life – some extremely famous, others complete strangers – from hospitals to restaurants, concert halls to airplanes, in private conversations and nationally broadcast interviews. Stories can be heartbreaking, distracting, funny, shocking, inspiring, revealing, and sometimes unforgettable – and all those attributes appear here. There’s no substitute for learning what it’s like to be someone else, to see the world as that other person does and reconsider our own views in light of that learning. These compelling and accessible stories motivate and enable us to do that, illuminating the unexpected relationships among all domains of human concern, the wellsprings of creativity, the elusive character of good judgment, and the pathways to social justice. They help us see more clearly what we care most deep features of human character and difficult choices, of social structures, of the power of imagination, of how to take account of the importance of what cannot be counted, and of bogus boundaries and assumptions that can repress clear thinking in any domain. These stories will make the reader more powerful in service of those values.

267 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 26, 2023

Reviews

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Illuminating Philosophy: Stories Beyond Boundaries by Samuel Gorovitz is a refreshing, insightful, and deeply engaging exploration of philosophy that makes complex ideas accessible through vivid storytelling. Gorovitz masterfully weaves together real-world anecdotes, historical context, and philosophical questions, inviting readers to see how abstract concepts connect to everyday life. His writing is clear, approachable, and often witty, making the book not only intellectually stimulating but also thoroughly enjoyable to read. It’s a rare work that both sparks curiosity and leaves you feeling wiser, and it succeeds beautifully in showing that philosophy truly lives beyond the walls of academia.