Philosophers at Table

On Food and Being Human

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, Philosophy
Cover of the book Philosophers at Table by Raymond D. Boisvert, Lisa Heldke, Reaktion Books
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Raymond D. Boisvert, Lisa Heldke ISBN: 9781780236216
Publisher: Reaktion Books Publication: April 15, 2016
Imprint: Reaktion Books Language: English
Author: Raymond D. Boisvert, Lisa Heldke
ISBN: 9781780236216
Publisher: Reaktion Books
Publication: April 15, 2016
Imprint: Reaktion Books
Language: English

When you boil it down, one of the most important things we do each day is eat. The question of eating—what, and how—may seem simple at first, but it is dense with complex meanings, reflecting myriad roles that food plays and has played over the centuries. In fact, as Raymond D. Boisvert and Lisa Heldke show in this book, it’s difficult to imagine a more philosophically charged act than eating. Philosophers at Table explores the philosophical scaffolding that supports this crucial aspect of everyday life, showing that we are not just creatures with minds, but also with stomachs. 

Examining a cornucopia of literary works, myths, histories, and film—not to mention philosophical ideas—the authors make the case for a bona fide philosophy of food. They look at Babette’s Feast as an argument for hospitality as a central ethical virtue. They compare fast food in Accra to the molecular gastronomy of Spain as a way of considering the nature of food as art. And they bite into a slug—which is, unsurprisingly, completely gross—to explore tasting as a learning tool, a way of knowing. A surprising, original take on something we have not philosophically savored enough, Philosophers at Table invites readers to think in fresh ways about the simple and important act of eating. 

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

When you boil it down, one of the most important things we do each day is eat. The question of eating—what, and how—may seem simple at first, but it is dense with complex meanings, reflecting myriad roles that food plays and has played over the centuries. In fact, as Raymond D. Boisvert and Lisa Heldke show in this book, it’s difficult to imagine a more philosophically charged act than eating. Philosophers at Table explores the philosophical scaffolding that supports this crucial aspect of everyday life, showing that we are not just creatures with minds, but also with stomachs. 

Examining a cornucopia of literary works, myths, histories, and film—not to mention philosophical ideas—the authors make the case for a bona fide philosophy of food. They look at Babette’s Feast as an argument for hospitality as a central ethical virtue. They compare fast food in Accra to the molecular gastronomy of Spain as a way of considering the nature of food as art. And they bite into a slug—which is, unsurprisingly, completely gross—to explore tasting as a learning tool, a way of knowing. A surprising, original take on something we have not philosophically savored enough, Philosophers at Table invites readers to think in fresh ways about the simple and important act of eating. 

More books from Reaktion Books

Cover of the book Duchamp by Raymond D. Boisvert, Lisa Heldke
Cover of the book Vulture by Raymond D. Boisvert, Lisa Heldke
Cover of the book Robert Motherwell by Raymond D. Boisvert, Lisa Heldke
Cover of the book Soup by Raymond D. Boisvert, Lisa Heldke
Cover of the book Altered States by Raymond D. Boisvert, Lisa Heldke
Cover of the book Octavio Paz by Raymond D. Boisvert, Lisa Heldke
Cover of the book Tennessee Williams by Raymond D. Boisvert, Lisa Heldke
Cover of the book Igor Stravinsky by Raymond D. Boisvert, Lisa Heldke
Cover of the book Mosquito by Raymond D. Boisvert, Lisa Heldke
Cover of the book The Pleasure's All Mine by Raymond D. Boisvert, Lisa Heldke
Cover of the book Rabbit by Raymond D. Boisvert, Lisa Heldke
Cover of the book Owl by Raymond D. Boisvert, Lisa Heldke
Cover of the book Last Landscapes by Raymond D. Boisvert, Lisa Heldke
Cover of the book Bread by Raymond D. Boisvert, Lisa Heldke
Cover of the book Rum by Raymond D. Boisvert, Lisa Heldke
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy