Review of "Philosophy: a complete introduction" by Sharon Kaye

I have to admit that this is the best book on philosophy I have ever read (and is especially worthwhile given the $3 price). It has the best explanation of Plato’s Theory of Forms I have ever seen, as well as good summaries of Kant’s stances on morality and Mill’s views on utility. The book is divided into fourteen sections, each with a focus on a different philosopher. Each section begins with a thought experiment, usually based on a famous one in philosophy but rewritten in an original fashion (e.g., the Ring of Gyges, the Ship of Theseus etc.). The thought experiments are generally well-written and humorous and conducive to understanding the chapters.

My primary complaint about the book is that the summaries of thinkers’ ideas are a bit too surface-level, and that the choice of philosophers to focus on was slightly suboptimal. For example, the book sadly omits Schopenhauer (with the exception of a one-line quote), though I understand the book is meant to be a short introduction.

Ultimately, the book lives up to its purpose

The best way to learn about philosophy is to study what great philosophers have said… This book is designed to help you teach yourself philosophy. The goal is not just to teach yourself about philosophy, but to teach yourself to be a (better) philosopher.

, though, even though it’s a good introduction, it’s not quite “complete”.

Rating: four out of five stars