The Philosophy Files [Illustrated] [Paperback]

If the thought of a book about philosophy for kids turns your stomach, think again. This superb book, written by Stephen Law, a young philosophy lecturer from Oxford, is filled with an awe-inspiring enthusiasm for thinking and arguing some of the biggest questions.

From "Should I eat meat?" to "How Do I Know The World Isn't Virtual?" and the Big One: "Does God Exist?", each question is dealt with in a thoroughly modern manner that brings in the teachings of famous philosophers alongside broad philosophical arguments that are as entertaining as they are challenging.

Stephen Law has certainly hit the spot with this energetic interpretation of philosophical ideas, cleverly clearing the floor for discussion between children, and opening up conversation between children and adults.

The Philosophy Files takes an innovative step into the children's book genre with a soul-searching, thought-provoking look at the philosophical questions that shroud our everyday lives. If you ever thought that philosophy for kids would be a turn off, check this out, sit back and enjoy the ensuing debate. (Ages 9 and over) --Susan Harrison

'a jargon-free, entertaining, uncomplicated approach to philosophy which makes no assumptions and encourages original thinking.' (Bridget Carrington WRITE AWAY! )

'Law is very good at dramatising philosophical problems so that children get to understand them as choices confronting them, rather than abstract questions... Highly recommended.' (Dina Rabinovitch THE GUARDIAN )

'poses challenging questions to children about life and the universe.' (IRISH EXAMINER ) --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

'poses challenging questions to children about life and the universe.' --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

A brilliantly entertaining and original introduction to philosophy for teenagers

Is there a God, should I eat meat, where does the universe come from, could I live for ever as a robot? These are the big questions readers will be wrestling with in this thoroughly enjoyable book. Dip into any chapter and you will find lively scenarios and dialogues to take you through philosophical puzzles ancient and modern, involving virtual reality, science fiction and a host of characters from this and other planets. The text is interspersed on every page with lively cartoons, and there is a list of philosophical jargon at the end.. Stephen Law has a gift for communicating complex ideas. He offers few answers, but his unstuffy, highly personal approach will have the reader thinking and arguing with as much pleasure as he does himself.

Reviews for The Philosophy Files
"Stephen Law's approach can be summoned up as less reverence, more relevance. This is no grand tour of the history of philosophy and its great thinkers. Indeed, fewer than half-a-dozen philosophers get a name check. Instead, Law goes straight for what is really important - the arguments themselves... It is much more of a genuine introduction to philosophy than the seemingly more serious efforts of writers such as Jostein Gaarder (Sophie's World) and Alain de Botton." TIMES EDUCATIONAL SUPPLEMENT, 12 MAY 2000

"This is a book written to be enjoyed. And as a result readers will learn more than they would from any kind of text book. And who are the readers? If you can read Harry Potter you can cope with the language, complexity and twists of this book. It should be left on the bed of anyone, from 7 to 90, who shows signs of interest in philosophical questions. Actually, give it to everyone, just in case." DR JONATHAN WOLFF, UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON, reviewing for www.thegoodwebguide.co.uk

"A great way to discover a taste for philosophy and also to think about your surroundings in new and intriguing ways." www.schoolsnet.com

"...fresh and different... Guaranteed to start a few debates." T2, THE DAILY TELEGRAPH, 6 MAY 2000

SALES POINTS Philosophy is a hot subject No competition except the very straight Dorling Kindersley YOUNG PERSON'S GUIDE TO PHILOSOPHY Accessible to bright 12 year-olds Useful crib for A level and first and second year philosophy students Attractive package with hundreds of drawings by well-known cartoonist Postgate Book samplers available Wide publicity for this highly promotable new author Daniel Postgate is the cartoonist for the Daily Express. He has illustrated a number of children's books, including The Philosophy Files and The Outer Limits.