Product Description

Where did the universe come from? Is time travel possible? Are genetically designed babies morally acceptable? If you have ever asked yourself such questions, then you have already begun to think philosophically. This book is for those who want to take the next step. Stephen Law poses questions about some of the most important philosophical issues of today - and of yesterday. Light-hearted questions about whether a pickled sheep is really art rub shoulders with more profound and time-honoured fears about whether God exists. In this radically new way of looking at philosophy, Stephen Law illustrates the problem with a story then lets both sides of the argument battle it out in clear, easily digestible and intelligent prose. And, by separating each issue into a distinct section, it is possible to dip in and out of in any order and at any time you like!

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #23574 in Books
• Published on: 2004-03-01
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 304 pages

Amazon.co.uk Review
Stephen Law's new book The Philosophy Gym: 25 Exercises in Philosophical Thinking contains 25 short, free-standing chapters each dealing with a different philosophical question and explaining key positions and arguments along the way. Law is editor of the philosophy journal Think and author of the popular children/adult introduction to philosophy The Philosophy Files.

What makes this set of philosophical exercises different from, and better than, other books of its kind is Law's inspired decision to adopt a variety of different styles. There are philosophical stories, thought experiments, illustrations, "thinking tools" designed to explain key ideas and, most interesting of all, is Law's use of dialogues. For instance in his chapter "Can a Machine Think" he relates an imaginary conversation between Kimberly Courahan and her state-of-the-art robot (Emit) in the year 2100.

Designed to replicate the outward behaviour of a human being down to the last detail (except for being more obedient and compliant) Emit responds to questions in much the same way as humans do. Ask him how he feels and he will say he has had a tough day, has a slight headache, is sorry that he broke that vase and so on. Is he thinking and feeling? Could a machine think? Where, if anywhere, can we locate the human/machine barrier? These questions are fully explored during the course of a deeply engaging, and very funny conversation between mistress Kimberley and her robot servant.

It's the dialogues supplemented by the philosophical stories, thought experiments and other diverting and educative strategies that make the book stand head and shoulders above others in the same genre. The topics range from designer babies, time-travel, consciousness, morality, relativism, the supernatural, the existence of God, the origins of the universe, paradoxes and many more. The chapters, ranging in difficulty from fairly easy to the more challenging, can be dipped into at random. Law himself describes the book as "a course in thinking philosophically". It is certainly that but it is Law's overall approach that makes it highly informative, constantly stimulating and, above all, great fun. --Larry Brown

Review
'Twenty-five philosophical chewing points...are presented and debated in jolly, demotic dialogues, intended as a sort of mental workout and beginner's guide' -- Sunday Telegraph 20040314

The Scotsman
Readers will 'emerge lean, keen and absolutely glowing with intellectual health'

Customer Reviews

Excellent book!
This is a lively and interesting book by one of the best introductory philosophy authors around. Stephen Law gently introduces the reader to a wide range of philosophical topics with wit and intelligence. This is not a dumbed down version of the subject, but a palatable presentation of the real thing. Highly recommended. An excellent read.

original and authoritative
I'm a philosophy graduate and am amazed at how Law manages to get across cutting edge philosophical ideas in such an accessible and entertaining way. Ideal for someone who wants a quick introduction to the latest philosophical thinking on topics as diverse as time travel, designer babies and the origin of the universe.

Thinking Made Simple
This book is a must-read for anyone starting down the road of wondering about the big issues of life - and also for those who think they know all the answers already. Stephen Law seems to have a particular gift for being able to cover all the key angles of a philosophical problem in a way that is both succinct and entertaining, dismissing with kind patience ideas which really do not stack up. Yet he is also quick to admit where difficulties still lie, providing a challenge for those who want to explore further. In short, he makes you think!