Philosophy Illustrated

by Helen De Cruz

Thought experiments are tools philosophers and scientists use to investigate how things are, without actually having to go out and experiment in the real world. This book presents forty-two philosophical thought experiments. Each thought experiment is illustrated by De Cruz (who is an illustrator as well as a philosopher), and is summarized in one or two paragraphs, which is followed by a brief exploration of its significance. Each thought experiment also includes a longer (approximately 2-page) reflection, written by a philosopher who is a specialist in the field. De Cruz's unique illustrations serve as visual and accessible starting points for classroom discussions in Intro to Philosophy courses.

Genres: Philosophy

208 pages, Paperback

Published November 30, 2021

About the author

Helen De Cruz was a Belgian philosopher and Danforth Chair of Philosophy at Saint Louis University who specialised in philosophy of religion, experimental philosophy, philosophy of blogging, and philosophy of cognitive science. She was also an activist supporting the rights of EU citizens in the context Brexit.

Reviews

[Richard Bakare · Rating 3 out of 5]

I do love a good thought experiment. One of my favorites being the compelling debate often sparked by the question of “The Ship of Theseus.” The ensuing debate goes in so many different ways and opens the participants to multiple perspectives. What is hardest about a thought experiment is to paint a clear enough picture for others that they can have a good starting point.

This book took that idea and ran away with it. Too far in fact. Were 10 to 20 really good thought experiments would do De Cruz offers 42. That volume means that none of them get the deep dive they deserve. Though the follow on reading suggestions and questions are nice. The book would probably be experienced as part of a Philosophy class with professors selecting a few and driving discussions.

Too much of anything usually leads to degradation of the experience. Maybe the book serves as a thought experiment into how much is enough? On another note, the very construction of the book was a let down. For something marketed on illustrations they were largely irrelevant. Also they binding was atrocious and it fell apart during the reading. I hope De Cruz makes a 2nd edition that improves upon the first. The concept really has a lot of promise.

[Vishakh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a lovely book and is ideal for reading bit by bit over a long stretch. Each chapter is quite short but that's a good thing for group discussion or individual rumination. Each illustration evokes curiosity about the topic of the coming chapter.

[Boxofdelights · Rating 5 out of 5]

Illustrations and explications of interesting philosophical problems, with questions to prompt classroom discussion.