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3.75 AVERAGE
3.75 AVERAGE
This is a truly special book. Part coming-of-age novel, part history of philosophical ideas, "Sophie's World" engages readers with why philosophy matters and mysteries whose fascinating answers made this book's ending one of the best I've ever found. I can't say more without spoiling the novel, so I encourage you to begin reading yourself!
The novel's protagonist, Sophie, receives several letters over the course of the novel, the contents of which teach her about the whole of Western philosophy, from Socrates to Sartre. If I had one qualm with the book, it is the lack of engagement with non-western philosophers. Philosophers of the Roman Empire and of the Medieval period are also only breezily talked about. The focus is heavily on the Greeks and on philosophers from about 1600 CE onwards, but it works out since many of these philosophers are the most well-known and interesting. If you've always wanted a way into thinking about philosophy but weren't sure where to start, you can't do much better than "Sophie's World"!
The novel's protagonist, Sophie, receives several letters over the course of the novel, the contents of which teach her about the whole of Western philosophy, from Socrates to Sartre. If I had one qualm with the book, it is the lack of engagement with non-western philosophers. Philosophers of the Roman Empire and of the Medieval period are also only breezily talked about. The focus is heavily on the Greeks and on philosophers from about 1600 CE onwards, but it works out since many of these philosophers are the most well-known and interesting. If you've always wanted a way into thinking about philosophy but weren't sure where to start, you can't do much better than "Sophie's World"!
Una bonita y didáctica introducción a la historia de la filosofía. Recuerdo haberla leído en diagonal cuando estaba en el colegio, y me arrepiento de no haberle puesto mayor cuidado. Es un libro perfecto para alguien entre 16-18 años.
Me pareció un total acierto que los primeros capitulos estuvieran organizados de tal forma que te hace sentir como si fueras Sofia, con hambre de conocimiento y esperando ansiosamente una nueva carta de tu curso de filosofía.
Me pareció un total acierto que los primeros capitulos estuvieran organizados de tal forma que te hace sentir como si fueras Sofia, con hambre de conocimiento y esperando ansiosamente una nueva carta de tu curso de filosofía.
újraolvasással kezdtem az évet, hogy felfrissítsem egy kicsit a nemlétező filozófia-tudásom. Még mindig nagy vállalkozásnak tartom a Sofie világát, és imádom a koncepcióját, de így 25 éves fejjel már azért éreztem, hogy nem nekem írodott, néhány helyen nagyon redundáns volt és túl sokat ismételt. Ennek ellenére szerintem tényleg fontos könyv, jó hogy elkészült, és ha lenne tini lány ismerősöm, akit érdekel egy kicsit a filozófia, biztosan ajánlanám neki.
This was actually a surprisingly good book. I never really cared for philosophy in school as it was never explained in a way that made it not confusing. This book did a good job of making it clearer although it still had some parts that were hard to follow particularly toward the end. It had a definite Alice in Wonderland type vibe to it which made it more intriguing and kept me wanting to read it. Overall, a unique and interesting read.
adventurous
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Full disclosure: I knew that I wouldn't like this book when I started because I don't care for Philosophy (read it as part of a book club). About halfway through, I found that I was interested in the story structure and mid-way plot twist. I appreciated what Gaardner was trying to accomplish but the pieces came together poorly in the end and I found myself disappointed and underwhelmed with the end, especially after the build-up of the parallel story lines.
A good book to read, as a crash course through the history of philosophy. This course is wraped into the story of Hilde and Sophie, which gives life to the course. Not my cup of tea, but interesting enough if you like this type of books. I read it as a part of a course.
A fun crash-course in philosophy, with a charming story to package it in.
informative
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Disappointing. I couldn't stand the character of Sophie and the philosophy parts were far too simple to be interesting. I definitely could not understand why so many people loved it.