Nasty, Brutish, and Short: Adventures in Philosophy with Kids

A fast-paced and funny investigation of lifes biggest questions, guided by the worlds most clever and creative thinkerskids. Some of the best philosophers in the world gather in surprising places preschools and playgrounds. They debate questions about metaphysics and morality, even though theyve never heard those words and cant tie their shoes. Theyre kids. And as University of Michigan professor of philosophy and law Scott Hershovitz shows, they can help grown-ups solve some of lifes greatest mysteries. Hershovitz has two young sons, Rex and Hank. From the time they could talk, he noticed that they raised philosophical questions and tried to answer them. They re-created ancient arguments and advanced entirely new ones. Thats not unusual, Hershovitz says. Every kid is a philosopher. Powered by questions like: Does Hank have the right to drink soda? Is it ever okay to swear? and, Does the number six exist? the Hershovitzes take us on a fun romp through classic and contemporary philosophy. If we join kids on philosophical adventures, Hershovitz argues, we can become sharper thinkers and recapture their wonder at the world. This is the only parenting book I would insist everyone read, whether they have kids or not. Merve Emre, author of The Personality Brokers and contributing writer at The New Yorker