Food and Philosophy: Eat, Think, and Be Merry (Philosophy for Everyone) [Paperback]

Fritz Allhoff (Editor), Dave Monroe (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 29, 2007 | Series: Philosophy for Everyone (Book 15)

Food & Philosophy offers a collection of essays which explore a range of philosophical topics related to food; it joins Wine & Philosophy and Beer & Philosophy in in the "Epicurean Trilogy." Essays are organized thematically and written by philosophers, food writers, and professional chefs.

• Provides a critical reflection on what and how we eat can contribute to a robust enjoyment of gastronomic pleasures
  
• A thoughtful, yet playful collection which emphasizes the importance of food as a proper object of philosophical reflection in its own right

Editorial Reviews

Review

“It turns out that not only have reputable psychologists at well-respected institutions done experimental studies on this effect, but it also serves as a kind of foul point for various philosophical questions. The works set out to address the intersection between philosophy and areas of everyday general concern: food, wine, and beer. In addition to straightforward philosophical discussions, the volumes include historical discussions, legal questions, some personal reflections.” (Gastronomica, Fall 2008)

“A truly well rounded view…and a critical reflection on what and how we eat can contribute to a robust enjoyment of gastronomic pleasures.” (Gourmet Retailer)

Review

“Food & Philosophy: What a rare and brilliant book! Certainly chefs must be aware of precise technique, privy to the science behind cooking, and reverent of pristine and seasonal product. But now, more than ever, if a culinarian is even attempting to achieve greatness, he or she must be immersed in the basic premise of ‘Why we celebrate food!’ This profound work should be required reading, not just for those of us involved in the culinary arts, but for everyone interested in food.”
–Charlie Trotter, Gourmet Chef

“Food & Philosophy offers tasty insight into the worlds of gastronomy and wisdom, and shows why these two ingredients are not mutually exclusive. Offering everything from ‘Vegetarianism and Dietary Choice’ to ‘Picky Eating is a Moral Failing,’ this book’s menu has something for everyone, and is bound to awaken your mind’s taste buds!”
–Graham Elliot Bowles, Chef de Cuisine, Avenues

“Food & Philosophy is a book we’re very happy to keep at our bedside for late-night reflection and indeed inspirational ‘food for thought.’”
–Andrew Dornenburg and Karen Page, authors of Becoming a Chef

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell; 1 edition (October 29, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1405157755
• ISBN-13: 978-1405157759
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.9 x 9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #638,982 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Both approachable and thoughtprovoking, May 18, 2009

By 

Chicago Book Addict (Chicago, IL) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Food and Philosophy: Eat, Think, and Be Merry (Philosophy for Everyone) (Paperback)

If you enjoy reading and thinking about the many philosophical issues surrounding food this is the book for you. I picked it up on a whim and was pleasanly surprised by how much I enjoyed the content.

There were a few things that I appreciated about the book. The first was how diverse the different essays were. It covered everything from eating disorders to vegetarianism to food criticism and picky eating. Because of this I found myself thinking of food from so many different perspectives that I hadn't considered before. This book started many conversations between me and other foodies and I really appreciate how much it forced me to think. I love when a book leads me to ponder new things and ask new questions and that was definitely the case with this book.

I also appreciated how approachable this was. With a title like Food and Philosophy it could have easily become lofty and hard to digest, but this was not the case. I found it to be very enjoyable to read and something that even having only taken one philosophy course, was very accessible to me.

I also appreciated how well written the book was. It was clear they got quite articulate people from various perspectives which made it easy and enjoyable to read. Even when I didn't agree with an author's central point I still thought that the arguments were well written and supported.

Overall this was a great book. I appreciated not only that it was enjoyable and approachable to read but that it really made me think and question my attitudes around food.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If you enjoy thinking about what you eat..., May 5, 2009

By 

bibliophile - See all my reviews

This review is from: Food and Philosophy: Eat, Think, and Be Merry (Philosophy for Everyone) (Paperback)

...you must buy this book! Food & Philosophy will be a welcome addition to anyone who enjoys intelligent discussion of food tasting and enjoyment. The book covers philosophical topics ranging from ethics to aesthetics and from food culture to food criticism. Though it provides the reader with a full plate of philosophical discussion, it does so in an accessible and enjoyable way.

My favorite section of the book is the section entitled "Second Course: Edible Art and Aesthetics." In this section, the contributors tackle topics that consider the relationship between food enjoyment and aesthetics. I found the essay by noted philosopher (who works mostly in aesthetics) Carolyn Korsmeyer especially interesting.

Another notable section of the book is the section entitled "First Course: Taste & Food Criticism." Anyone who regularly reads reports and reviews from food critics will find this section interesting. I found Michael Shaffer's essay "Taste, Gastronomic Expertise, and Objectivity" particularly insightful.

I highly recommend this book!

1 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Thinking too much, September 5, 2009

By 

James B. Mckelvey (Belhaven, NC USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Food and Philosophy: Eat, Think, and Be Merry (Philosophy for Everyone) (Paperback)

This book was written by professors who should eat more and think less. I own a restaurant and have a degree in philosophy, so I thought this would be very interesting. It's not. It's pedantic and boring. Don't waste your time.