Mini Philosophy - by Jonny Thomson (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

'Engaging, smart and wise, Mini-Philosophy is a diverse taster menu of ideas on life, the mind and the world. Nutritious, bite-sized portions of philosophy that whet the appetite for more' - David Mitchell, author of Cloud Atlas and The Bone Clocks

Why do people enjoy watching scary movies? Should we bet on the existence of God? Why is pleasure better than pain? And when is a duck not a duck?

Mini Philosophy is a fascinating journey into what some of the greatest minds of the last 2500 years have to say about the big questions in life, and why they are relevant to us today.

Covering everything from Sun Tzu's strategy for winning at board games to Freud's insights into our 'death drive'; why De Beauvoir believed the mothering instinct is a myth to why Schopenhauer probably wasn't much fun at parties, these mini meditations will expand your mind (and bend it too).

From the Back Cover

Why do people enjoy watching scary movies? Should we bet on the existence of God? Why is pleasure better than pain? And when is a duck not a duck?

Mini Philosophy is a fascinating journey into what some of the greatest minds of the last 2,500 years have to say about the big questions in life, and why they are relevant to us today.

Covering everything from Sun Tzu's strategy for winning at board games to Freud's insights into our 'death drive'; why De Beauvoir believed the mothering instinct is a myth to why Schopenhauer probably wasn't much fun at parties, these mini-meditations will expand your mind (and bend it too).

Review Quotes

A joyfully playful and thought-provoking capsule encyclopedia of philosophical ideas, from Aristotle to Alan Turing, pondering on the nature of self, how we see and understand the world, and the delusions we use to comfort ourselves. An Epicurean delight.--Mick Brown

A neat idea, deftly executed. If this doesn't light your philosophical fuse, you don't have one.--Julian Baggini

Engaging, smart and wise, Mini-Philosophy is a diverse taster menu of ideas on life, the mind and the world. Nutritious, bite-sized portions of philosophy that whet the appetite for more.--David Mitchell

Lively, sharp and wide-ranging, a sparky bite-sized companion for the wilds and wilderness of philosophy--Eleanor Gordon-Smith

About the Author

Jonny Thomson taught philosophy in Oxford for more than a decade before turning to writing full-time. He's a staff writer at Big Think, where he writes about philosophy, theology, psychology and occasionally other subjects when he dares step out of his lane. His first book, Mini Philosophy, is an award-winning, international bestseller, and has been translated into twenty languages. Jonny also runs the 'Mini Philosophy' Instagram and Facebook accounts (@philosophyminis).