Plato and a Platypus Walk Into a Bar...: Understanding Philosophy Through Jokes
May 2007 · Abrams
4.3star
6 reviews
eBook
208
Pages
About this eBook
New York Times Bestseller: This entertaining-yet-enlightening crash course on philosophy is “an extraordinary read” (Orlando Sentinel).
Here's a lively, hilarious, not-so-reverent journey through the great philosophical traditions, schools, concepts, and thinkers. It’s Philosophy 101 for everyone who knows not to take all this heavy stuff too seriously. Some of the Big Ideas covered are Existentialism (what do Hegel and Bette Midler have in common?), Philosophy of Language (how to express what it’s like being stranded on a desert island with Halle Berry), Feminist Philosophy (why, in the end, a man is always a man), and much more. Finally—it all makes sense!
“A hoot.” —Chicago Sun-Times
“An extraordinary read you’ll want to share with as many people as possible.” —Orlando Sentinel
“The zaniest bestseller of the year.” —The Boston Globe
Here's a lively, hilarious, not-so-reverent journey through the great philosophical traditions, schools, concepts, and thinkers. It’s Philosophy 101 for everyone who knows not to take all this heavy stuff too seriously. Some of the Big Ideas covered are Existentialism (what do Hegel and Bette Midler have in common?), Philosophy of Language (how to express what it’s like being stranded on a desert island with Halle Berry), Feminist Philosophy (why, in the end, a man is always a man), and much more. Finally—it all makes sense!
“A hoot.” —Chicago Sun-Times
“An extraordinary read you’ll want to share with as many people as possible.” —Orlando Sentinel
“The zaniest bestseller of the year.” —The Boston Globe
Ratings and reviews
4.3
6 reviews
Surya Melakode
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12 December 2014
As someone new to philosophy, found this book to be knowledgeable and entertaining. Outlines philosophy in a concise manner. Especially Loved how all the part were weaved together in such a hilarious manner.
William Benbow
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23 June 2025
enlightenment
About the author
Tom Cathcart and Daniel Klein pursued the usual careers after majoring in philosophy at Harvard. Tom worked with street gangs in Chicago, doctors at Blue Cross and Blue Shield, and dropped in and out of various divinity schools. He lives with his wife on Cape Cod. Dan has written jokes for various comedians including Flip Wilson and Lily Tomlin. He lives with his wife in the Berkshires. Together, they are authors of the politically incorrect book of daily affirmations, Macho Meditations.
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