Sophie's World

While there is a great deal of philosophical thought covered in relatively short order (500 pages in print version), the device of question and answer between the teacher and student is tedious. The puzzles in the interludes between pedagogy lead to a mind-boggling conclusion. My sympathy to the young narrator Sophie and her guide to the world of thought, Alberto, who finally melt away like the Cheshire Cat. Be hopeful and remember, "The only thing we require to be good philosophers is the faculty of wonder."

Sophie's World is a terrific way to introduce the reader to the novice's view of philosophy. Reviewing great philosophers from Plato and Aristotle to Marx and Camus this enjoyable novel unravels the thoughts of the world's great minds to the layperson. A unique point of view is used in this work which relates the events of the story through a fictional character's point of view: glimpsing the human world as the story unfolds before her. Take it from me, this experience will stay with you long after you put this book down or finish listening to the audio version.

This is a great book for introducing kids to philosophy. As the book mentions, philosophy isn't something we can learn- but we can learn to think philosophically (something lost in chaos of our materialist world). The lessons within are much needed for an era that has lost the value of thinking and learning to ask the right questions. If we can get our kids to be good thinkers, trust me- they'll be successful at whatever endeavors they undertake.

I used this text for my Humanities students as it is written in an original style for a philosophy textbook. The index gives students and any reader the resource to answer questions about all of these philosophies and philosophers for their writing and use in analyzing other works.

The book perfectly summarizes the history of philosophy and the main idea of each philosophy from ancient time until our time. It is presented in really interesting way, in Wonderland way, and this set this book apart from others.

The book was in great condition, just as described. Good book, just needed it for class this semester. Not sure I would have picked it up if it wasn't for class, but it has raised a bunch of questions for me.

This is a very cleverly put together book that provides many hours of very enjoyable reading. In addition, however, it advances one's education by making available to the reader some fascinating insights on the thinking of some of the world's greatest philosophical minds; and it does this without getting the reader all tangled up in high handed philosophical jargon.

A great walk through of the history of philosophy. I found the wrap around fictional story a little difficult to align with what the walk through was educating us about. But it's all about keeping an open mind.

A wonderful introductory read into philosophy which captures several good attitudes of doing philosophy as well as reason for doing philosophy. This book is not ideal for those looking to investigate technical or academic philosophy, but that does not detract from this work one bit, since that does not seem to be its purpose.

This book takes you through the whole history of philosophy and the history of Europe, helps you to understand it, and incorporates it into a philosophical, incentive, and interesting story all of its own.

This novel represents a good start for those who want to read about philosophy but don't know where to start. It introduces the history of philosophy in way that won't get the reader bored by the theories and ideas.

I first read this book last year in graduate school when our Social Studies methods teacher referenced it. I found it to be engaging and informative, but also written at a level that would appeal to high school students studying philosophy. Not too heady and weird!

Gaarder created a wonderful novel to teach philosophy 101 to the masses. Apart for the very unique literary device used, the background given is accurate and puts so much of the story of philosophy into historical perspective. Strongly recommended for anyone with a passing interest in the development of western civilization.

The history of philosophy is nicely handled. It's been decades since we've enjoyed a solid treatment of the history of philosophy that is attractive to the general public. I've encountered quite a number of people who have become intrigued by philosophy as a result of their encounter with this work. The fiction that stitched all the philosophy together was competent but not beguiling.