About the book
In this beautifully written book Raimond Gaita tells inspirational, poignant, sometimes funny but never sentimental stories of the dogs, cats and cockatoos that lived and died within his own family. He asks fascinating questions about animals: Is it wrong to attribute the concepts of love, devotion, loyalty, grief or friendship to them? Why do we care so much for some creatures but not for others? Why are we so concerned with proving that animals have minds?
Reflecting on these questions, and drawing on the ideas of Descartes, Wittgenstein and J.M. Coetzee, Gaita pleads that we ask ourselves what it means to be creatures of ‘flesh and blood.’ He discusses mortality and sexuality, the relations between storytelling, philosophy and science and the spiritual love of mountains.
An arresting and profound book, The Philosopher’s Dog is a triumph of both storytelling and philosophy.
This Routledge Classics edition includes a substantial new introduction and afterword by the author.
Editions of The Philosopher's Dog
- EBook
- ISBN 9781315474755
- PDF
- ISBN 9781315474762
Read an Excerpt
In this beautifully written book Raimond Gaita tells inspirational, poignant, sometimes funny but never sentimental stories of the dogs, cats and cockatoos that lived and died within his own family. He asks fascinating questions about animals: Is it wrong to attribute the concepts of love, devotion, loyalty, grief or friendship to them? Why do we care so much for some creatures but not for others? Why are we so concerned with proving that animals have minds?
Reflecting on these questions, and drawing on the ideas of Descartes, Wittgenstein and J.M. Coetzee, Gaita pleads that we ask ourselves what it means to be creatures of ‘flesh and blood.’ He discusses mortality and sexuality, the relations between storytelling, philosophy and science and the spiritual love of mountains.
An arresting and profound book, The Philosopher’s Dog is a triumph of both storytelling and philosophy.
This Routledge Classics edition includes a substantial new introduction and afterword by the author.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Philosopher's Dog about?
In this beautifully written book Raimond Gaita tells inspirational, poignant, sometimes funny but never sentimental stories of the dogs, cats and cockatoos that lived and died within his own family. He asks fascinating questions about animals: Is it wrong to attribute the concepts of love, devotion, loyalty, grief or friendship to them? Why do we care so much for some creatures but not for others? Why are we so concerned with proving that animals have minds?
Reflecting on these questions, and drawing on the ideas of Descartes, Wittgenstein and J.M. Coetzee, Gaita pleads that we ask ourselves what it means to be creatures of ‘flesh and blood.’ He discusses mortality and sexuality, the relations between storytelling, philosophy and science and the spiritual love of mountains.
An arresting and profound book, The Philosopher’s Dog is a triumph of both storytelling and philosophy.
This Routledge Classics edition includes a substantial new introduction and afterword by the author.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in The Philosopher's Dog?
Philosophy and Religion > Philosophy > Topics in philosophy > Ethics and moral philosophy
Where can I read a sample of The Philosopher's Dog?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781315474755
Is The Philosopher's Dog part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series Routledge Classics
Who is/are the Author/s of the book The Philosopher's Dog?
Raimond Gaita
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
The Philosopher's Dog is available as ebook(ISBN 9781315474755) and pdf(ISBN 9781315474762)