Plato and a Platypus Walk Into a Bar: Understanding Philosophy Through Jokes

Description

Here's an accusation - Sherlock Holmes never deduced anything. When it comes to language, it all depends on what your definition of 'is' is. And one for the existentialists - you haven't lived until you think about death all the time. Crammed with over one hundred jokes and graced by the occasional cartoon, written in a Marxist style (Groucho's, not Karl's) and featuring frequent appearances from a comic two-man Greek chorus, Plato and a Platypus is a hilarious romp through the classic areas of philosophy. Don't be put off by the seriousness of the contents page, what follows is anything but.

Daniel Klein and Tom Cathcart pursued the usual careers after majoring in philosophy at Harvard. Dan wrote jokes for comedians, designed stunts for Candid Camera. Tom worked with street gangs in Chicago and dropped in and out of various divinity schools. They both live with their respective wives in New England.

'A hoot'. * Times Literary Supplement * 'Cathcart and Klein know their stuff, and wear their learnedness lightly...I can't help but love this book, and I have been quoting liberally from it.' * Philosophy Now * 'What happens when you mix corny jokes, one-liners and vaudeville humour with some of life's great lessons? You get an extraordinary read you'll want to share with as many people as possible.' * Orlando Sentinel * 'A hoot!' * Chicago Sun-Times *