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

Thomas Cathcart · Daniel Klein

may, 2007 · Abrams

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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

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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.