Customer Reviews

Plato and a Platypus / Aristotle and an Aardvark Boxed Set (Box Set)

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Ever since I graduated with a degree in Philosophy several years ago I have constantly been on the hunt for great books dealing with philosophical issues. Sure, there are classics like The Story of Philosophy: The Lives and Opinions of the World's Greatest Philosophers by Will Durant and The Problems of Philosophy by Bertrand Russell, but what Cathcart and Klein have put together in these two books (three if you count Heidegger and a Hippo Walk Through Those Pearly Gates: Using Philosophy (and Jokes!) to Explore Life, Death, the Afterlife, and Everything in Between ; I recommend that one too!) are nothing short of a good time. For example, take this joke concerning Existentialism, "The problem with German food is that, no matter how much eat, an hour later you're hungry for power."
The first, and possibly best book, Plato and A Platypus Walk Into A Bar... covers all the essentials: Metaphysics, Logic, Epistemology, Ethics, Philosophy of Religion, Existentialism, Philosophy of Language, Social and Political Philosophy, Relativity and Metaphysics. The second book, Aristotle and An Aardvark Go To Washington, is much more concerned with faulty logic and is full of hysterical jokes such as, "A lame man in rags crawls down the aisle of a church to the altar, raises his eyes to the heavens and cries out, "Lord, why have you chosen me for all these afflictions?" Suddenly, a sphere of blinding light appears just above him in the sanctuary and a thunderous voice intones, "I don't know, Charlie, there's just something about you that pisses me off.""
I recommend the box set, because I am sure once you read the first one you will want the second, and then the third - I know I did. Very funny as well as enlightening.

Not sure if this is a philosophy book or a joke book, and that may be the genius behind its success and why it works. Jokes used very effectively to illustrate main philosophical concepts. The second volume in this set skewers the Bush administration predominantly (Democrats are not always spared), but the content naturally focuses on word games of the administration that was in power while it was being written. That's where the material was...

A Very Funny Book

"Aristotle and an Aardvark" is a very funny book. Cathcart and Klein are more insightful than any of the broadcast journalists. They seem to understand Washington and use their understanding as a basis of humor.

"Plato and a Platypus Walk into a Bar" is also very funny book. Cathcart and Klein manage to teach a little philosophy along with the humor. They understand their subject and they make it fun for the reader.


These are both funny and provocative books. I enjoyed both and I recommend them to others.

I have purchased several copies of this offering. I kept my copies and gave the rest as gifts. As one of my friends tells me - he has to make sure the book in still on his desk after staff meetings. A great way to enjoy and understand philosphy as told by the grandsons of Groucho Marx - need I say more? A good way to have some snappy comebacks too!

This is a fun read. It takes a lighted hearted approach to what might be thought of as a serious if not boring subject. Lots of humor is included.

i ordered on march 9. my credit card was charged the next week. i have never received my books. i have emailed the company 3 times and have received no response. i will never order again.