Philosophy Rocks!
Grade 7 Up-In a friendly and accessible way, the author introduces eight of philosophy's big questions, from "What Is Real?" to "Does God Exist?" The first chapter seems a bit heavy-going as it explains Plato's forms with examples and a couple of criticisms, but Law incorporates C. S. Lewis's "Shadowlands," nicely grounding this rather obtuse idea back to the "Narnia" books. When things get too confusing, he uses repetition, questions and answers, and sci-fi/medical-ethics examples (using two Martians, Blip and Blop, and other characters) to bring the ideas home. Whimsical illustrations break up the text and provide some think time. The chapter entitled "How Do I Know the World Isn't Virtual?" may bring to mind the popular Ender's Game or the movie, The Matrix. The question, "What do you think?" is posed frequently, often at the end of the chapter. The author is successful in presenting these ideas objectively, balancing every argument with counterarguments and problems that they may raise. The topic "Should I Eat Meat" is a matter of interest to many teens, and the serious questions here, as elsewhere, are lightened with humor. Law stresses from the beginning that a discussion of philosophy is not the same as a book about religion, but, throughout, there are discussions that some will regard as being of a religious nature. Some religious believers may take offense, but others will be delighted by this cogent presentation of these thought-provoking issues.Joel Shoemaker, Southeast Junior High School, Iowa City, IACopyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.