Zeno and the Tortoise: How to Think Like a Philosopher

by Nicholas Fearn

For those who don't know the difference between Lucretius's spear and Hume's fork, Zeno and the Tortoise explains not just who each philosopher was and what he thought, but exactly how he came to think in the way he did. Nicholas Fearn presents philosophy as a collection of tools -- the tricks of a trade that, in the end, might just be all tricks, each to be fruitfully applied to a variety of everyday predicaments. In a witty and engaging style that incorporates everything from Sting to cell phones to Bill Gates, Fearn demystifies the ways of thought that have shaped and inspired humanity -- among many others, the Socratic method, Descartes's use of doubt, Bentham's theory of utilitarianism, Rousseau's social contract, and, of course, the concept of common sense. Along the way, there are fascinating biographical snippets about the philosophers themselves: the story of Thales falling down a well while studying the stars, and of Socrates being told by a face-reader that his was the face of a monster who was capable of any crime. Written in twenty-five short chapters, each readable during the journey to work, Zeno and the Tortoise is the ideal course in intellectual self-defense. Acute, often irreverent, but always authoritative, this is a unique introduction to the ideas that have shaped us all. "Entertaining and witty. A smooth, sweet concoction that should tickle the taste buds of the most philosophobic readers." -- Julian Boggini, The Times Educational Supplement (U.K.) "A concise and entertaining attempt to place the skills of philosophy at our fingertips." -- Olivier Burckhardt, The Independent on Sunday (U.K.)

Genres: Philosophy, Nonfiction

208 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

Reviews

[Dan Seitz · Rating 1 out of 5]

Offers a basic overview of philosophical concepts, but in a tiresome, pompous manner. Gets particularly annoying when his political opinions are brought into the mix, which are pretty much what you'd expect from a conservative white guy circa 2002. Basically it's the book version of being cornered by a philosophy student at a party.

[Bernie Gourley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book presents twenty-five philosophical tools or concepts fundamental to thinking philosophically. Fearn does an excellent job of making these ideas comprehensible while exploring how they can be of practical value in philosophizing (as opposed to diving into conceptual minutiae and the conflicts and debates around them.) The author uses stories, metaphors, and examples extensively, while avoiding jargon or complicated expressions and explanations.

The book is entirely Western-oriented, and one won’t see any discussion of ideas originating outside Europe (or North America by way of immigration from Europe.) That’s not uncommon for English language popular philosophy books, and I don’t think there’s anything nefarious to be read into it, though some will find it a shame. The philosophers whose ideas are addressed span from pre-Socratic Greece to Richard Dawkins (who I’m pretty sure is the only one still living.) The reader learns about reductionism, relativism, the Socratic method, analogy / allegory, teleology, thought experiments, parsimony, pragmatism (of sorts,) induction, skepticism, social contract, utilitarianism, dialectics, falsifiability, memes, deconstruction, and more.

I found this book to be readable and absorbing and would highly recommend it for anyone who would like an overview of the major ideas of Western philosophy and how they can be applied to thinking more philosophically.

[Alexander Mastros · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ένα φοβερό βιβλίο για όποιον επιθυμεί να πραγματοποιήσει μία εισαγωγή στην φιλοσοφία. Ή γενικότερα να μελετήσει μεγάλα μυαλά και τρόπους σκέψης. Το βιβλίο παρουσιάζει συνολικά 25 φιλοσόφους. Καθε κεφάλαιο χωρίζεται στην βιογραφία του φιλοσόφου και έπειτα στην συμβολή του προς την φιλοσοφία. Τα κεφάλαια ειναι σε χρονολογική σειρά, βάση την ημερομηνία γέννησης του καθε φιλοσόφου. Ένα μικρό παράπονο, ειναι πως εστίασε κυρίως σε αρχαιότητα και νεότερους φιλοσόφους. Όσοι άνθισαν κατα την διάρκεια της αναγέννησης και του διαφωτισμού, φαίνεται να παραγκωνιστηκαν.

[Márcio Ricardo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gostei bastante! Esta não é uma obra pra quem já tem bagagem em filosofia, é antes um apanhado geral de alguns dos mais importantes pensadores do nosso mundo.

O livro surpreende por trazer alguns nomes inesperados, como Occam, Reid, Ryle ou Turing.Traz nomes incontornáveis, mas deixa de fora gigantes como Leibniz, Spinoza ou Schopenhauer. O defeito do livro é mesmo esse, daria perfeitamente pra fazer 50 lições em vez de 25 e acrescentar outros tantos nomes à obra.

Nicholas Fearn nos lega estes leves e suaves capítulos de forma bem humorada, fácil, equilibrada e sensata, expondo as principais ideias dos homens mencionados, de seus acertos e erros e de como elas se aplicam à nossa vida nos dias de hoje.

É uma boa introdução pra quem se quer iniciar na filosofia ou pegar uma visão geral do pensamento desde o primeiro filósofo até ao séc. XX. Recomendo.

[Jono Balliett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great way to familiarize myself with some great philosophical minds. I love philosophy but I tend to gravitate toward the readers digest version of philosophers. Reading a philosopher's works can be incredibly rewarding but one can spend decades unraveling the thoughts and ideas of just one philosophers work. Instead, I read synopses of their work. This book covers: Thales, Protagoras, Zeno, Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Lucretius, Ockham, Machiavelli, Bacon, Descartes, Hume, Reid, Rousseau, Kant, Bentham, Hegel, Nietzsche, Wittgenstein, Popper, Ryle, Turing, Dawkins, & Derrida. It also helps one interpret the works of the philosophers true work that you have read. It is a humorous, & light read dealing with heavy material.

[TK Keanini · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very unfortunate title. The subtitle should have been: How to apply the patterns of great philosophers. I just can't believe that I would ever think like the great philosophers nor would I want to. I'm perfectly find thinking the way I think.

Now that I have that out of my system, the book is great. In 25 sections, the author takes each key contribution from some incredible philosopher. It could be called a philosophy field guide.

[Kara Jacobs · Rating 2 out of 5]

Didn't finish this. Such a good concept, anecdotes about various great philosophers throughout the ages, what they had to say about the subject of death and (my favorite part, of course), the weird ways in which they actually died but ...I dunno, it started to grow dull in the middle of the middle of the Middle Ages, and it' another book I never finished.

[Pamela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bought this book for my 15-yr-old son to introduce him to philosophy. Covers over 20 philosophers and their main ideas, including short biographies. Good introductory book into the origins and developments of some of the most important philosophical ideas throughout history.

[Irini Gergianaki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Εκλαϊκευμένη φιλοσοφία, διαβάζεται πολύ ευχάριστα, έβγαλα ένα αστεράκι γιατί η μετάφραση ήθελε λίγο προσοχή είχα την αίσθηση ότι σκάλωνε.

[Sarah Jensen]

Book Review: Zeno and the Tortoise: How to Think Like a Philosopher by Nicholas Fearn

Overview

Nicholas Fearn’s Zeno and the Tortoise: How to Think Like a Philosopher presents an engaging and accessible exploration of Western philosophy, tracing the evolution of philosophical thought from ancient Greece to contemporary Europe. Through a chronological narrative interspersed with key philosophical concepts, Fearn not only introduces major thinkers and their ideas but also demonstrates how these principles can be applied in everyday life.

Content Summary

Fearn organizes the book into distinct chapters, each focused on a specific philosopher or philosophical tradition, thereby providing a structured yet comprehensive overview of the field. Key elements of the book include:

Philosophical Timeline: The book begins with early philosophers such as Zeno and Socrates, exploring their foundational ideas and how these set the stage for subsequent philosophical inquiry. Fearn effectively contextualizes their contributions within the broader narrative of philosophical evolution.

Conceptual Tools: Fearn introduces readers to essential philosophical tools—such as Ockham’s Razor and Hume’s Fork—illustrating how these concepts can be utilized to navigate complex problems and enhance critical thinking skills. This practical approach empowers readers to engage with philosophical ideas meaningfully.

Narrative Style: Fearn’s writing is characterized by clarity and wit, making complex concepts accessible to a general audience. His use of anecdotes and relatable examples helps demystify philosophical debates, encouraging readers to reflect on their own beliefs and assumptions.

Critical Engagement: Throughout the book, Fearn invites readers to engage with philosophical questions actively. By posing challenges and thought experiments, he encourages a participatory approach to philosophy, fostering a deeper understanding of the material.

Relevance to Modern Life: Fearn adeptly connects philosophical ideas to contemporary issues and personal dilemmas, underscoring the relevance of philosophy in the modern world. This connection not only makes the content more engaging but also reinforces the practical importance of philosophical inquiry.

Themes and Analysis

The Nature of Thinking: A central theme in Zeno and the Tortoise is the exploration of how thinking itself can be refined through philosophical inquiry. Fearn emphasizes that philosophy is not just a body of knowledge but a method of rigorous and reflective thinking.

Philosophy as a Tool for Living: Fearn posits that philosophy offers valuable tools for navigating ethical dilemmas and existential questions. By understanding different philosophical perspectives, readers can better articulate their values and make informed decisions.

The Interconnectedness of Ideas: The book illustrates the continuity and interplay between various philosophical movements, highlighting how ideas have evolved and influenced one another over time. This interconnectedness enriches the reader’s understanding of philosophy as a dynamic and collaborative field.

Conclusion

Zeno and the Tortoise: How to Think Like a Philosopher is an enlightening introduction to philosophy that skillfully balances historical context with practical application. Nicholas Fearn’s engaging narrative and accessible writing style make this book an excellent resource for both newcomers to philosophy and those seeking to deepen their understanding of key philosophical concepts. By bridging the gap between historical thought and contemporary relevance, Fearn encourages readers to think critically and reflectively about their lives and the world around them. This book is highly recommended for anyone interested in enhancing their philosophical thinking and understanding the rich tapestry of Western philosophical tradition.

[Maher Razouk · Rating 3 out of 5]

قد يبدو غريباً أن يرغب أي شخص في شرح شيء ما من خلال شيء آخر ، بدلاً من التعامل معه وفقًا لشروطه الخاصة ، ولكن هذه هي الطريقة التي يتم بها الاختزال.
إذا كنا نرغب في فهم العالم ، فهذا يعني وضع الأشياء في مصطلحات يمكننا فهمها. إن اختزال شيء ما يشبه ترجمته إلى لغة أكثر وضوحًا. بعد الاختزال ، يصبح التعامل مع الظاهرة أسهل وأقل غموضًا لأن المكونات أسهل في الفهم من النظام بأكمله.
ومع ذلك ، إذا كان التبسيط هو الهدف الوحيد ، فإن العديد من اختزالاتنا الحديثة ستكون إخفاقات.
.
Nicholas Fearn
Zeno and The Tertoise
Translated By #Maher_Razouk

[Tanya · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this a particularly good philosophy book to read. It is divided into chapters, which are more like independent little essays, that focus on one philosopher's key idea and explore that. Fearn also gives us some basic insight into the life of that particular phillosopher. He also does a good job of moving through time fairly chronologically. I enjoyed the idea of spending 5 or so pages exploring an idea and then being able to take a break and think about what I read, before moving on to the next idea.

[Guy Sandison · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fairly inoffensive read of summaries of 20 key philosophers, each summed up in about 10 minutes. A good entry book to philosophy, if you can get passed some of the unnecessary detours of 00’s conservatism.

[litsioydaki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good for a philosophy beginner, although some minor things were inaccurate in the first chapters about ancient greek philosophy. But it could be a mistranslation as I read it in greek. Basic ideas and their logical errors were thoroughly explained with really simple yet accurate examples.

[Brian W · Rating 3 out of 5]

A concise book describing the most significant philosophical contributions. Much of the information was well over my head and humbling. Very interesting, I wish I could have understood all the ideas within the book.

[Rosemary Szczygiel · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's ok but I probably would not revisit it. Recommended from FSCJ Liberal Arts syllabus. Good for students.

[Mhamad Tabikh · Rating 1 out of 5]

فشلو

[Carmen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked this at first, but after a while it just seemed like a lot of mental masturbation.

[Angela Veronica · Rating 2 out of 5]

philosophy book that can be understood effortlessly

[Ryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 // A Great Read and Surface Dive into Philosophy 101. Beware of rabbit holes.

[Marcus · Rating 3 out of 5]

A brief but useful introduction to various philosophers and thinkers down the ages; many pithy explanations were excellent. February 2014.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve heard about this book in military blogs and books. So was excited to read it as previous attempt at philosophy books has not been successful.

A couple different things this book offers. An overview of philosophical history, key players and a pool of concepts. Brief analyzation of their success and failures.

The focus is the process of reductionism and deconstruction of thoughts. I struggled as I read the book. He would propose a thought and then go through how to reduce it. When doing so it made my mind race and I would over complicate the original idea. However that was part of the point, when we over complicate, its because we are trying to understand the idea itself. Rather we should take it as it, how to apply it, and our own approach, then move on.

Why would I recommend this book? More importantly , is this applicable to the life’s of leaders? My answer would be it can help you think, very insightful. What I mean is when we approach a problem, we can use philosophical concepts to think more rationally. We can use strategize to help others simplify their thoughts and translate them into manageable and effective means.

Quick read and some entertaining parts. About to fly back to Germany so I may actually read parts of it again to gain a better understanding.

[Mikko Laitinen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book provided a good introduction to famous philosophers and their ideas. Sometimes the author's own opinions shined through the text, but overall, it is an easy-to-read book good for people new to philosophy.

[Nathalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good refresher on philosophy and philosophers. Without fluff, each short digestible chapter outlines the essence of each philosopher's' argument, some thoughts about how to think of it using modern day examples and gives context for each philosopher's life. Especially appreciated the latter where I learned interesting thing about the person and the times. I had studied philosophy so while there is a lot to learn from the original works, namely the construction and thought process in creating an idea that describes the world, for my purposes this was a great little book to get me thinking about this again.

[Deepak Saxena · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent book for those who want to have some handle on some key philosophical ideas and philosophers. Though the book might be criticised for some omissions and commissions, it gives a good glimpse into philosophical thought. (Edit: final rating 3.5 due to exclusion of Bertrand Russel and inclusion of Richard Dawkins)

[Allen Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Part biography of many philosophers, part introduction to various thinking techniques, part summary of various types of philosophical thought. This book will probably encourage you to dig deeper into ideas that interest you. A buffet full of appetizers.

[Tudor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting concept, poorly carried out.

[Ian · Rating 3 out of 5]

I remember looking at this book, can't remember actually reading it. Possibly this is why I dont think like a philosopher

[Vanlilith · Rating 4 out of 5]

-

[Laurent Franckx · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good intro to philosophy. Does require some active effort from the reader - as it should.