Nasty, Brutish, and Short

More about the book

A Michigan professor of law and philosophy presents a thought-provoking exploration of life's biggest questions, inspired by his two young sons, Rex and Hank. Observing their curiosity from an early age, he discovered that children naturally raise philosophical questions and seek answers, often leading to profound insights. Kids engage with the world in ways that sometimes echo ancient arguments or introduce novel perspectives, showcasing their innate philosophical abilities. With humor and storytelling, the author follows the philosophical inquiries initiated by his sons, tackling pressing issues such as rights, revenge, authority, sex, gender, race, knowledge, and truth—topics often overlooked by adults. Through the lens of his sons' curiosity, he offers an engaging journey through both contemporary and classic philosophy. He emphasizes the importance of nurturing children's philosophical exploration while encouraging adults to participate in these discussions, ultimately aiming to enhance our own critical thinking and rekindle the wonder that children have for the world around them.