Too Weird to Believe, Too Plausible to Deny

by Cliff Sosis (Editor)

Anyone new to philosophy soon encounters new ideas that challenge their hidden biases and cherished beliefs, or are at odds with common sense and tradition. Yet, these philosophical ideas are backed by strong arguments, arguments so strong that it’s difficult to identify what is wrong with them. Too Weird to Believe, Too Plausible to Mind-Blowing Philosophical Ideas explores these strange yet cogent ideas in 29 short, clear chapters written by some of the best philosophers alive today.

Some of these ideas

Nobody should reproduce. You are not responsible for your actions. Consciousness is in everything, everywhere. Your property doesn’t really belong to you. Absolutely anything can be art. Biases are morally good and help us understand reality. We can’t know what scientific facts are correct. Having a disability can be good for you. You should never ever lie, even to save a life. You have no moral duty to obey the law. You don’t exist because there is no self. Each chapter starts with a seemingly counterintuitive philosophical conclusion and a simple, accurate description of the underlying argument supporting the conclusion, including historical and cultural context. This is followed by an outline of objections for the purposes of conversation and debate, and a discussion of the implications of the idea, or how it may relate to the reader’s interests and attitudes. Each chapter closes with suggested readings and a list of references for readers who want to learn more about the idea.

Genres: Philosophy

320 pages, Paperback

Published October 15, 2025

Reviews

[Paul · Rating 1 out of 5]

I thought this was written by highschool students until one of the essays started recommending a book by the author of the essay. The essays range from milk-toast to cheap shock value but they are all uniformly badly argued.

[Karen Carlson]

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