Dr. Seuss and Philosophy - (Great Authors and Philosophy) by Jacob M Held (Paperback)

About the Book

Dr. Seuss' stories are more than just catchy poems; they often wrestle with serious philosophical and moral dilemmas, whether it is Horton discovering the very essence of life or the Lorax teaching us about morality. Dr. Seuss and Philosophy explores philosophical concepts such as the nature of the good life in Oh the Places You'll Go, the method and value of thinking critically in Oh the Thinks You Can Think, and morality and ethics in How the Grinch Stole Christmas, among many others. Anyone who loves Dr. Seuss or is interested in philosophy will find this book to be intriguing and enlightening.

Book Synopsis

Since Theodor Geisel published his first children's book in 1937 under the pseudonym Dr. Seuss, children and adults alike have been captivated by the charming and laconic tales of whimsical characters and imaginative worlds. But Dr. Seuss' stories are more than just catchy poems; they often wrestle with serious philosophical and moral dilemmas, whether it is Horton discovering the very essence of life or the Lorax teaching us about morality. Dr. Seuss and Philosophy explores philosophical concepts such as the nature of the good life in Oh, the Places You'll Go!, the nature of knowledge in McElligot's Pool, postmodernity in On Beyond Zebra, business and the environment in The Lorax, and moral character in How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, among many others. Anyone who loves Dr. Seuss or is interested in philosophy will find this book to be intriguing and enlightening.

Review Quotes

"This is a unique book. I would not have imagined anyone imagining doing such a thing-but these philosophers did. They imagined it, and they did it. And it is published. You can hold it in your hand, or even read it. Oy vey!" --Daniel Pinkwater

"If you are a person who likes to ask "Why?"But who finds the philosophers just a bit dry, Then this book's for you, since it's not so abstruse, When your guide to Deep Thinkers is-the wise Dr. Seuss!" --Thomas Cathcart

"Few people realize how philosophical picture books are. Dr. Seuss and Philosophy should help change that. Readers should not miss Jacob Held's wonderful introductionary poem in which he channels Dr. Seuss. It's a real treasure!" --Thomas Wartenberg, Professor of Philosophy, Mt. Holyoke College

About the Author

Jacob M. Held is assistant professor in the Department of Philosophy and Religion at the University of Central Arkansas. He has written extensively on philosophy and popular culture, having coedited James Bond and Philosophy and contributed to volumes on the Beatles, South Park, and Watchmen, to name a few.