Plato and a Platypus Walk into a Bar...: Understanding Philosophy through Jokes by Thomas Cathcart, Daniel Klein
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(Hardcover)
- Pub. Date: March 2007
- 208pp
- Sales Rank: 24,366
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Product Details
- Pub. Date: March 2007
- Publisher: Abrams,Harry N Inc
- Format: Hardcover, 208pp
- Sales Rank: 24,366
- ISBN-13: 9780810914933
- ISBN: 081091493X
Synopsis
This New York Times bestseller is the hilarious philosophy course everyone wishes they'd had in school
Outrageously funny, Plato and a Platypus Walk into a Bar . . . has been a breakout bestseller ever since authors—and born vaudevillians—Thomas Cathcart and Daniel Klein did their schtick on NPR's Weekend Edition. Lively, original, and powerfully informative, Plato and a Platypus Walk Into a Bar . . . is a not-so-reverent crash course through the great philosophical thinkers and traditions, from Existentialism (What do Hegel and Bette Midler have in common?) to Logic (Sherlock Holmes never deduced anything). Philosophy 101 for those who like to take the heavy stuff lightly, this is a joy to read—and finally, it all makes sense!
Biography
Tom Cathcart and Daniel Klein pursued the usual careers after majoring in philosophy at Harvard. Tom worked with street gangs in Chicago and dropped in and out of various divinity schools. Dan wrote jokes for comedians, including Flip Wilson and Lily Tomlin, designed stunts for Candid Camera, and continues to pen thrillers. Each lives with his wife in New England
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- Ratings: 20Reviews: 12
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Perfect for Philosophy Beginnersby Ms.Clever-Clocks
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July 22, 2009: This book was great. First of all, it is easy to understand and covers the main ideas of many philosophies. It gives a broad understanding of the many different types of theories and thoughts out there. Second, it is sarcastic and funny so that even beginners can understand it and enjoy it. It's captivating so that you wont want to put it down (I read it while I was on vacation in Venice haha) I'm a student and it really gave me a solid base on my quest to learn philosophical principles. This book was on my wish list for a while and I am not disappointed that I finally bought and read it.
Delightfully Humorousby Koltar
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July 16, 2009: I chuckled my way through this book. Anyone who believes philosophy is dull and better relegated to the musty halls of the previous century will be both surprised and delighted by Plato and a Platypus Walk Into A Bar. The book opens with a quotation from Groucho Marx, thus setting the tone for the future!
What follows is a delightful comparison of age-old philosophy from various schools of thought worldwide to today's modern, confusing and often downright hilarious world. Included in the book are humorous cartoons from several artists, a glossary of philosophical terms and a timeline of great moments in the history of philosophy. I laughed and I learned a bundle. Plato and a Platypus Walk Into A Bar is a must for every librarian, scholar, student, professor or New Age theorist who ever blinked up at the bright sun and quietly asked the question, "Why?" Good for general reading and, in my humble opinion, a most worthy addition to one's permanent library.
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