Home: a philosophy of personal space

by Mel Thompson

This book is an invitation to reflect on self and home, identity and belonging. The concept of 'home' reflects one of the deepest and most universal of human experiences. It manifests in everything from religion to nationalism, and from buildings and decor to nostalgia for the place of our birth. We all need space to be ourselves; but we need it to be the kind of space that we can personalise - space that says something about who we are. From a contemplation of the size of the universe and the orientation of temples in the ancient Near East, to home improvements and community loyalty, this book explores the ways in which we personalise the space around us in our quest to construct a unique and authentic sense of 'home'.

242 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 7, 2021

Reviews

[Owen Knight · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read several of Dr Mel Thompson’s popular philosophy and ethics books and have found him to be an excellent explainer of complex ideas. I purchased this book thinking it might be in a similar vein to his The Philosopher’s Beach Book.
I was surprised, but not disappointed, to discover that it is a detailed discussion of what constitutes home and the idea of personal space. It explains how individuals’ concepts of these change over time according to various conditions.
The author’s scholarship (he has written over thirty books on philosophy, religion and ethics) shows through, with quotes and references from a wide variety of other works.
Home is engaging and inspires the reader to undertake further research of the topics covered. It is engaging and accessible and contains many ideas the reader will identify with. Its nine chapters are divided into sections, which can be read continuously or in short segments.
A book to return to.