Christopher Phillips is a man on a mission: to revive the love of questions that Socrates inspired long ago in ancient Athens. "Like a Johnny Apple...
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reviews
Dec 25, 2011
Ahmad
rated it: 
There are certain things I do not like about this book. One of these is the writing style that the author chooses. It's amateurish to say the least (in fact it reminds me of some of my recent attempts at prose). There is also an effort not to offend since one presumes that most people in this book do exist. That though makes it a tiring and all too polite read. And since when must a writer worry about not offending?
Another fault is the avoidance of "real" issues at the cafes. Lot More...
Another fault is the avoidance of "real" issues at the cafes. Lot More...
Jun 28, 2011
Kate
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Accessible and readable, Socrates Cafe: A Fresh Taste of Philosophy by ex-journalist and philosophy booster Christopher Phillips tells the triune story of how he came to create the Socrates Cafe concept, what happens at a Socrates Cafe discussion, and how to start a philosophical discussion group of your own.
If you've ever wanted to explore the deeper meanings of everyday subjects, if you feel the common man has a right to question the dogma of his/her culture, or if you just want to More...
If you've ever wanted to explore the deeper meanings of everyday subjects, if you feel the common man has a right to question the dogma of his/her culture, or if you just want to More...
Jan 03, 2010
Ian
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From the moment I saw this book and my inner voice whispered what the @#$% is this, I had begun my own expedition into the socratic method. Because this book was a gift i wasn't really itching to read it so I started then stopped, But then as I reached places in myself that had never been question I had fully realized how powerful this book is. It follows the journey of a man cursed to question things from the most miniscule events to the more cliche conundrums we have all had contact with at yo
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Sep 16, 2010
Trisha
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Phillips changed his life and began living as he desired, 'bringing philosophy back to the people' by organizing Socratic discussion groups who informally meet and converse on a particular question by questioning the question, the assumptions, concepts, points of view, logic, etc. He works with schools of all levels, prisons, retirement communities, random groups in coffee houses and libraries, and so on. The questions discussed in any individual meeting is the result of member suggestions and d
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Nov 21, 2008
Sam
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This book is perfect for anyone who's interested in Philosophy who otherwise wouldn't know where to start. Plato has always been one of the most accessible philosophers, but Phillips is able take readers on a tour of many of Plato's favorite subjects in a manner that is fresh and interesting. I found it a very interesting idea because so much of philosophy is a discussion, but I think that the philosophical discussion of scholars is often inaccessible to the average reader. Socrates Cafe take
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Jun 16, 2010
Divasaurus
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Borrowed it from the library on a whim, and I loved it. It takes philosophy back to the masses, to the everyday people like you and I, and it gets us to think. [: The writing was really accessible, and you don't need a background in philosophical thought to really engage with the book.
If you love to think abstractly, this is a book for you. If, however, you're one of those really academic types in regards to Philosophy, you might want to sit this one out since it's really for the la More...
If you love to think abstractly, this is a book for you. If, however, you're one of those really academic types in regards to Philosophy, you might want to sit this one out since it's really for the la More...
Apr 09, 2008
Danine
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My husband and I host philosophical discussions with friends and people within our community. I had posted a public invitation online and someone responded and recommended this book.
I found this book to be inspiring to what we were already doing. It gave me some new ideas for discussions as well as a Socratic perspective.
Phillips describes his philosophical adventures of traveling hosting Socrates Cafes. He holds discussions at senior centers, prisons, elementary schoo More...
I found this book to be inspiring to what we were already doing. It gave me some new ideas for discussions as well as a Socratic perspective.
Phillips describes his philosophical adventures of traveling hosting Socrates Cafes. He holds discussions at senior centers, prisons, elementary schoo More...
May 28, 2011
Levi
rated it:
A great jumping off point for a common reader who wants to get the gist of what philosophy is--or at least can be--all about. At times the book lacks a little focus as it jumps from how-to to educated analysis to reconstructed first-hand accounts of Socrates Cafe discussions, but it is inspiring and provocative. However, I think one participation in a Socrates Cafe would be worth more than reading this entire book, so here's to me actually participating in one someday. At least I should know wha
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Aug 17, 2010
Shawn
rated it:
The best book I've read in a long, long while.
A nice look at some modern philosophy, instead of the same old ancient variety.
The author travels around the country and holds philosophical discussions at various places. Cafes, bookstores, nursing homes, prisons, elementary schools, etc.
Despite the genre, it is not boring in the least bit.
A nice look at some modern philosophy, instead of the same old ancient variety.
The author travels around the country and holds philosophical discussions at various places. Cafes, bookstores, nursing homes, prisons, elementary schools, etc.
Despite the genre, it is not boring in the least bit.
Jan 29, 2009
Matt
rated it: 
Steaming pile of crap. The author portrays philosophical discussions within a community setting (his own pet project) as though they are both extremely enlightening and enjoyable for the participants, and as if he is doing everyone a favor by holding these events. I was put off by the intolerable self-promotion.
As for content, I did not find it interesting. Chris Phillips basically just meets with random people, uses his “memory” of their discussions to make a point, then inserts referen More...
As for content, I did not find it interesting. Chris Phillips basically just meets with random people, uses his “memory” of their discussions to make a point, then inserts referen More...
Mar 08, 2010
Kevin
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A fast romp through various philosophers told through recollections of various "Socrates Cafes" held at coffeehouses, schools, and prisons throughout the country, engaging laypersons in philosophical discussion. It was a quick read, but brought me back to some of the philosophical works I have read in the past (Plato, Aristotle, Kant, Locke, Hobbes, etc). There was an entire section devoted to what is essentially social construction, but with no mention of the STS literature on the sub
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Jul 28, 2011
Rebekah
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This book was really amazing, there are no words to describe how this book made me feel. The minute I picked it up I could not put it down, it really opened my eyes to questioning the things around me and opening my mind to new things. Not to judge people on first glance because everyone has something to offer to the world.
Sep 24, 2009
Andini
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Wow..buku ini bagus & sangat menarik..memberikan sentuhan baru dlm memperlajari filsafat yang seringkali dianggap sangat membosankan. Tapi dengan pendekatan/metode seperti yang dilakukan socrates, maka kita akan dengan mudah memahami filsafat..dan menikmatinya :)
Jan 17, 2012
Dana
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A fun and light introduction into how attainable leading a thoughtful and Socratically-influenced life is. It certainly leads to more awareness, but unless you seek out philosophical outlets, it is easy to fall back into an unexamined life.
Approaching book club discussions with more questions and imagination will be my first step towards applying this in my life. I also recently started a five year journal that asks a new question everyday. It has been humbly reminding me that the sim More...
Approaching book club discussions with more questions and imagination will be my first step towards applying this in my life. I also recently started a five year journal that asks a new question everyday. It has been humbly reminding me that the sim More...
Jul 25, 2009
Debbie (Readerbuzz)
rated it:
What a fun idea! Phillips has
begun small groups across America
who meet to discuss ideas.
Must find out if there is a group
in Houston....
begun small groups across America
who meet to discuss ideas.
Must find out if there is a group
in Houston....
Nov 26, 2009
Arzana
rated it:
A book that does not drain you of your energy when reading about philosophy.
Phillips writes in an ingriguing and fun way, something that makes you keep turning thoose pages.
A well written book, that I highly recommend.
Phillips writes in an ingriguing and fun way, something that makes you keep turning thoose pages.
A well written book, that I highly recommend.
Dec 09, 2011
Einahpets
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I read a bit of it in Barns & Nobels. The book enlightened me. Instead of looking to others to meet our needs, we must take responsibility for our own life and make necessary changes that are in our best interest.
Apr 20, 2011
Robin
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I love this book. I think everything should be a socrates cafe. Church, work, home, politics, school etc. What an interesting way to live and learn. Anyway, I had Socrates envy after reading this book.
Jul 22, 2010
Marianna
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I honestly didn't finish this one. I reached a point where it started to seem redundant...I love the idea of participating in a Socrates Cafe, but actually reading about them is a little dry.
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Jan 09, 2009
Andrea
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Another book group pick. Refreshing is how one person described it. I'd have to agree. I'm a proponent of civil and thoughtful conversation and could certainly relate to the feeling of uncertainty that comes from both thinking and not thinking about things.
Jul 06, 2009
Scottie
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read while in grad school and had grand illusions of starting my own Socrates Cafe...well, we all know where that went. However, i love the concept of modern socratic inquiry.
Feb 04, 2010
Debs
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Christopher Phillips travels the country “performing” philosophical discussions in coffee shops and the like. I’m not sure how much I got out of this one.
Jan 30, 2011
Katie
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excellent!really makes you think about everyday subjects. and i really like the author. very down to earth about a subject authors tend to get snooty about.
Nov 06, 2010
Jerry
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Listened to this on tape which made a long drive seem very pleasurably short. I had to listen to it again when I could take notes for future discussion.
Sep 16, 2008
Mallory
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If you want to read this book for entertainment I suggest you find something else. Socrates is insightful and totally worth it to read but it is definitely something thick to wade through. At some points I had to make myself read the text out loud to keep my mind from wandering but at other points I was turning pages as quickly as a fiction novel. This book has changed the way I view many things and most importantly it has taught me to question. I've learned from it that I can change something i
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Sep 20, 2011
Wendy
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Enlightening, refreshing, inspiring and curiously renewing read. The author brings Socratic discussions to the people. Keep questioning!
Jan 22, 2012
Jorge
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The author talks a lot about how he believes that "the Socratic Method" is useful in discovering more about ourselves. It is an interesting concept. He also gives a brief account of some of the most historically significant philosophers (e.g. Socrates, Aristotle, Nietzsche, Spinoza etc.). What I liked the most about this book is that he also gave brief accounts of some of the most memorable discussions he has facilitated and some of the most interesting questions he has heard.
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May 06, 2011
Chris
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Proving once again that there are people from all walks of life that pass us on the streets every day whose thoughts run way deeper than most of us give them credit for.
Jan 03, 2009
Rolf
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DIY Philosophy - i just loved the book and the possibilities of starting a socrates cafe of my own :)
