Nasty, Brutish, and Short

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What to expect

Brought to you by Penguin.

Say 'philosopher,' and someone grand, old and bearded might come to mind. But, as philosophy professor Scott Hershovitz shows in this delightful debut, some of the best philosophers in the world are better described as nasty, brutish and short--that is to say, they're children. Children make wonderful philosophers because they constantly question things that grown-ups take for granted, test theories about the people around them, and try to work out the way the world works. Following the lead of his two young sons, Rex and Hank, Hershovitz takes us on a unique tour through classical and contemporary philosophy, steered by questions like, does Hank have the right to drink Fanta? When is it okay to swear? And, does the number six exist?

Fast-paced and funny, Nasty, Brutish, and Short is a unique guide to the art of thinking. Alongside Rex and Hank, Hershovitz investigates big questions about rights, revenge, punishment and authority; sex, gender and race; the nature of truth and knowledge, the size of the universe, and the existence of god. The result is an irresistible invitation to become more discerning thinkers, by cultivating our innate, childlike wonder at the world.

© Scott Hershovitz 2022 (P) Penguin Audio 2022

Critics Review

  • In his witty and learned book Nasty, Brutish, and Short, Hershovitz intertwines parenting and philosophy, recounting his spirited arguments with his kids about infinity, morality, and the existence of God, and teaching half a liberal arts curriculum along the way

    New York Times Bestselling author of Shape

  • This book will teach you how to transform the endless questions of childhood into the endless wonder of philosophy

    Host and Executive Producer, Hi-Phi Nation podcast, Associate Professor of Philosophy, Vassar College

  • This delightful book is about philosophy and, ultimately, how to better love your kids. Want to cherish them, respect them, help them learn? Then join them in their natural wonderment and enjoy the philosophical fun

    bestselling author of Assholes: A Theory and Professor of Philosophy at UC Irvine

  • This book made me laugh and also think hard, sometimes on the same page. Highly recommended for anyone with kids, especially kids who wonder ‘Why?

    Emily Oster, bestselling author of The Family Firm

  • Funny and fascinating. Prompted by conversations with his two young sons, Scott Hershovitz walks us through some of philosophy’s stickiest questions: Does the universe go on forever? Can we really know anything? Is it ok to use swear words? Should you take revenge? Nasty, Brutish, and Short is an easy-to-read primer on how to discuss these profound topics with children, and how to think about them yourself.

    Pamela Druckerman, author of Bringing Up Bébé

  • Hershovitz is a total delight–energetic, compassionate, patient, wise, and very, very funny, even when he is talking about weighty or difficult ideas. I’m grateful to have him as a model for how to talk to my children and how to think alongside them.

    author of The Personality Brokers

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