How to Teach Philosophy to Your Dog: A Quirky Introduction to the Big Questions in Philosophy

Description

'We're doing philosophy now, and that means following the argument wherever it leads, like that time you chased a rabbit and ended up with your head stuck in a hole.' Monty was just like any other dog. A scruffy and irascible Maltese terrier, he enjoyed barking at pugs and sniffing at trees. But after yet another dramatic confrontation with the local Rottweiler, Anthony McGowan realises it's high time he and Monty had a chat about what makes him a good or a bad dog. Taking his lead from Monty's canine antics, McGowan takes us on a hilarious and enlightening jaunt through the major debates of philosophy. Will Kant convince Monty to stop stealing cheesecake? How long will they put up with Socrates poking holes in every argument? In this uniquely entertaining take on morality and ethics, the dutiful duo set out to uncover who - if anyone - has the right end of the ethical stick and can tell us how best to live one's life.

Anthony McGowan has a BA, MPhil and PhD in philosophy, and has lectured widely on philosophy and creative writing. As an author for children and young adults he's won many awards, while The Art of Failing, a hilarious account of his life as a writer, was named an Observer Book of the Year. He lives in north London, with his wife, two children and a dog.

'For essential reading on both the meaning of dogs and the meaning of life, I can recommend Anthony McGowan's wonderful book How to Teach Philosophy to Your Dog, a series of conversations he had with his dog, Monty, while out walking together. The final chapter is a touching meditation on death and the existence - or not - of God, that takes in everything from Aristotle to Schopenhauer and leaves you suspecting dogs might already have had many of the answers all along. There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio / Than are dreamed of in your philosophy.' -- Guardian 'Anthony McGowan's wonderful survey of philosophy... Hugely entertaining and accessible, there can't have been more delightful exponents of Socratic dialogue than McGowan and Monty, his scruffy and evidently delightful Maltese terrier.' -- Tom Holland, Best Books of the Year, New Statesman 'I loved loved loved this book. Genuinely profound as well as very funny.' * Alex Preston, via Twitter * 'Filled with sparkling insights, a joy from start to finish. In turns witty, brilliant and irreverent, McGowan explains nothing less than the meaning of life - to his dog. If only we were all as lucky as Monty to go for long walks with the author...' -- Peter Frankopan, author of The Silk Roads 'McGowan playfully explores philosophy in this amusing collection of imaginary dialogues conducted with his Maltese terrier, Monty. Readers who have never roamed the paths of philosophy before, or who could use a return trip, will appreciate this enjoyable tour from a friendly guide and his loyal companion.' -- Publishers Weekly 'An accessible, amusing guide to key philosophical questions...Perfect for novice philosophers.' * Idler * 'Readable, funny but enlightening...accessible and illuminating.' * Church of England Newspaper * 'This is the most entertaining and accessible introduction to philosophy I have read. I doubt there can ever have been more delightful exponents of Socratic dialogue than McGowan and Monty, his dog.' -- Tom Holland 'There is no sharper, funnier, cleverer writer in Britain today.' -- Robert Twigger, author of Micromastery 'A charming, informative, unique introduction to Western philosophy.' * Kirkus *