Sophie's World

[literaturerocks]

I just finished reading this book today and I must say it is quite a good introduction to the ideas of many of the world's most influential philosophers. I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in philosophy or even a good mystery with quite a twist. Anyways, I started this thread to discuss the book and maybe even discuss the ideas of some of the philosophers in the book. Open for discussion! Let's talk about stuff.

[blazeofglory]

I too have read the book. This book is just an introductory one and those who do not know the basics can benefit from this book, for it is too simple.l If you want to go deeper and deeper Bertrand Russel's the History of philosphy is unbeateable.

Of course Sophie's world is not bad yet it can not give you the depth of philosophy. It is just for kids and if you are mature enough to undersntand Russel's books cannot find equivalents.

[literaturerocks]

I agree it is rather basic but it still gives a brief introduction and it has engendered interest in me.

[wilbur lim]

This valuable book is worthwhile to recommend,alas it is a fundamental,basic book,nevertheless,it was stimulating when I read it.

[Sapphire]

I thought the book interesting, though I already knew most of the basic philosophy presented in it. Repetition is not always a bad thing ;)

I really disliked the ending though. But then again, when I say it ended in an orgy everybody looks at me like I am crazy and have read a different book than they did. I guess I put too much into the part where Sophie's friend runs into the bushes with her boy (does she?) - it just seemed so surreal to me at that moment. The characters acted so unbelievable, in a way unemotional ...

So the ending put me off (though the idea presented was nice). But all Jostein Gaarder books I have read had that problem. It hasn't stopped me from reading more, as the bits before it are quite worth it ;) I think I liked the Solitaire Mystery better than Sophie's World though.

[RobinHood3000]

I thought it was interesting to read. Near the end, I felt like it was a little too perfunctory, too much "tell me more about this philosopher"-"okay, I'll tell you more about this philosopher"-"give me an example"-"here's an example," if you get my meaning. Still, it's a worthwhile introduction to philosophy. I would also recommend Daniel Quinn's Ishmael.

[artiemax]

I loved this book and although it does have a brief intro and is very basic it really caught my attention :)

[blazeofglory]

In point of fact it is a very brief introduction, and the writer has shortened the story making it enjoyable and digestible even to ordinary readers who are unacquainted with the texts of philosophies. And as a matter of fact I choose to read Bertrand Russell’s book to it yet this is really a simple read, not inexhaustible compared with bulkily voluminous treatises. And beginners find it is unbeatable. I suggest anyone who have a passion for philosophy and yet want to start with the essentials of it must start with this book.

[MangoAmane]

I recently read Sophie's World... It was awesome! Except the ending... But I was reading it for the information, so I loved it. Even though it only talks about European philosophers. T_T

[MissScarlett]

I've never read the book, but I've thought about reading it many times. I don't care for books of philosophy, though, not if they get too heavy and deep. I've heard that this is just a terrific read, though. I might read it soon. I'm looking for a good mystery.

[MangoAmane]

It's a bit confusing... Haha. =)

[Chava]

Hmm, I had this read aloud to me when I was ten, by my mother. I've always loved it, and thought it was a great way to engage children/young adults in some of the more complex thoughts. I don't think it was ever intended to be more a thorough account of the history of philosophy.
Jostein Gaarder rights many books like this though, and I have always loved his works.

[blazeofglory]

How will be good to fictionalize all great ideas. I hope in future even economic theories, commercial theories too will be fictionalized in a manner that can interest the reader immensely.