Is abortion a woman's right? When does human life begin? Should we legislate morality? What would happen if the Socrates of old suddenly appeared in modern Athens? Peter Kreeft imagines the dialog that might ensue with three worthy opponents--a doctor, a philosopher and a psychologist--about the arguments surrounding abortion. Kreeft uses Socratic technique to strip away the emotional issues and get to the heart of the rational objections to abortion. Logic joins humor as Socrates challenges the standard rhetoric and passion of the contemporary debate.
The Unaborted Socrates
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--------- AUDIO LECTURES --------- $1 each (MP3)
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RECORDED LECTURES:
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---"Beauty" -- The branch of philosophy dealing with aesthetics.
---"C. S. Lewis and Mere Christianity" -- C.S. Lewis' masterpiece
---"Christianity in Lord of the Rings" -- The cleverly disguised role of God
---"Culture War" -- A call to arms, mapping key enemies and battlefields
---"Existence of God" -- A magnificent overview of the arguments
---"Good, True, Beautiful" -- C.S. Lewis on three great transcendentals
---"Happiness" -- How do you get it? Christ's version vs. the world's
---"Heaven" -- The heart's deepest longing
---"Hollywood Screenwriting" -- Encouragement to film's creative storytellers
---"If Einstein Had Been a Surfer" -- Rediscovering intuitive thinking
---"Lord, Liar, or Lunatic" -- The famous argument for Christ's identity
---"Problem of Pain" -- C.S. Lewis's brilliant exposition on suffering and evil
---"Sex in Heaven" -- Imaging the fire of God's love
---"Sexual Reconnection" -- Healing the link between sex & love
---"Shocking Beauty" -- The live character of Christ
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Lecture scheduling and more info:
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
66 of 67 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This is one of those books that will surprise you in many ways. It was not what I was expecting - of course I did not have the subtitle, only the main title at that time. I was expecting a book on philosophy from Peter Kreeft, a professor of Philosophy. But it was three debates on issues surrounding abortion lead by Socrates.
The format is three discussions led by Socorates with three groups of people. The first is with a Dr. Rex Herrod (King Herrod) held in a hospital in Athens in the present time. The second is again with Dr. Rex but also with his friend, a philosopher, Professor Atilla Tarian (Atilla the Hun) who is an ethicist, and it is held at a Philosophy convention. The final is in a Psychiatric ward with "Pop" Syke, (Pop Psychology) the psychologist.
Each debate is written as a mini morality play, like those of classical Greek plays. Each is written as a dialogue and written somewhat tongue in cheek, filled with puns and word plays.
This book was not an easy read, in that the material it deals with is very difficult and very controversial. It raises many questions that most people on both sides of the abortion debate probably do not think about. It is easy to read in that it was written in an easy style and flows nicely.
The main focus of all three debates is when does life begin, and who will speak for the most helpless, the unborn. This is a tough read but one that will not leave the reader unchanged.
The format is three discussions led by Socorates with three groups of people. The first is with a Dr. Rex Herrod (King Herrod) held in a hospital in Athens in the present time. The second is again with Dr. Rex but also with his friend, a philosopher, Professor Atilla Tarian (Atilla the Hun) who is an ethicist, and it is held at a Philosophy convention. The final is in a Psychiatric ward with "Pop" Syke, (Pop Psychology) the psychologist.
Each debate is written as a mini morality play, like those of classical Greek plays. Each is written as a dialogue and written somewhat tongue in cheek, filled with puns and word plays.
This book was not an easy read, in that the material it deals with is very difficult and very controversial. It raises many questions that most people on both sides of the abortion debate probably do not think about. It is easy to read in that it was written in an easy style and flows nicely.
The main focus of all three debates is when does life begin, and who will speak for the most helpless, the unborn. This is a tough read but one that will not leave the reader unchanged.
53 of 58 people found the following review helpful
By J. Marlin
Format:Paperback
The author clearly shows how emotionally-charged and irrational pro-abortion arguments really are when they are held up to the truth-penetrating light of logic and natural reason, which Professor Kreeft, using his brilliant wit in the role of Socrates, masterfully applies. The charge in a previous review that the author did not accurately present the women's perspective on abortion because all the characters in the book were male is somewhat puzzling--the characters are fictional to begin with; and besides, I can think of no argument that only a woman would be able to use to justify abortion that was not triumphantly refuted. Anyone who has argued himself or herself blue in the face with someone who is pro-abortion knows how discomfittingly illogical--oftentimes downright silly--and motivated by selfishness the arguments employed are. To the Christian this volume demonstrates that one does not need to rely solely upon Church teaching to argue that abortion is morally wrong--a strategy which will rarely succeed against a non-believer. Instead, it reveals the power that logic and reason alone can have in critically examining issues of social morality, which when used properly, can greatly bolster religious arguments. To the non-believer, this little book plainly shows that abortion is not exclusively a religious issue, as many people in today's society assume. I enthusiastically recommend this book to any pro-life person who wants to be successful in arguing against abortion as well as to persons who, being instinctively pro-choice, honestly desire to understand how anyone could be against this apparent woman's right.
18 of 20 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
Peter Kreeft, who is famous for his religious/philosophical dialogues, has another witty materpiece here. As the title suggests, Socrates is playing the role of the questioner against those who might defend abortion on demand. Socrates engages a doctor, lawyer and philosopher who argue for the pro-abortion position. The great thing about this book on the abortion issue is that Kreeft forces the reader to see what is at stake in this issue. He strips away emotionally loaded cases and bad arguments for abortion. This is a must read for anyone who isn't sure where they stand with abortion. If you don't get why pro-lifers are so uptight about about abortion, you need to read this book. The dialogue is easy to read, and it is unapologetically honest about where the truth leads.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
The unaborted Socrates
Like rhe book 3 approaches to Abortion - Peter Kreef writes so much like C.S.Lews, and one realizes that the philosopher, the Abortionist, and the Shrink are all closed minded to... Read more
Published 2 months ago by Ellen Gaffney
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great for young and old alike!
I bought this book to help my high school age children understand the abortion debate, and I was not disappointed! Read more
Published 3 months ago by Bill wade
5.0 out of 5 stars
Mr Kreeft is brilliant!
Finally.... a rational approach to this controversial issue. If you care about truth and justice, you simply must read this book.
Published on May 29, 2010 by C.G.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Easy Read, Excellent Dialogue
Of Kreeft's books, including the Philosophy of Tolkien, Unaborted Socrates was a surprise: An easy read (for philosophy standards) employing the socratic method and an amusing play... Read more
Published on January 12, 2009 by Jorge E. Novo
5.0 out of 5 stars
A thought provoking read on an important topic
Though parts of this book struck me as cheesy, an abortionist named Dr. Rex Herrod for instance. I think that Peter Kreeft has crafted a good analysis of the arguments around... Read more
Published on July 3, 2006 by CDS
2.0 out of 5 stars
2 points for Socrates, zero for Keeft
Keeft does a fair job in parts of making Socrates "come alive" on a contemporary issue; that is, he replicates his style in many respects, and conveys much of both the humor,... Read more
Published on December 10, 2005 by Scott Forschler
5.0 out of 5 stars
Can't Believe It's Not Socrates
Kreeft does a good job of capturing the character of Socrates as it has been recorded in the books that are believed to be actual accounts of conversations with him. Read more
Published on September 10, 2005 by David N. Walker
4.0 out of 5 stars
Another pros and cons list
Overall, I think this book is a fair representation of the issue. The book is a debate among four characters, written like a Socratic dialogue. Read more
Published on June 23, 2005 by Corum Seth Smith
5.0 out of 5 stars
Peter Kreeft has it right!
Peter Kreeft, who truly is one America's great academic gems, and a prolific author has done an excellent job with this book on the topic of abortion. Read more
Published on September 25, 2004 by Mark A. Miller
3.0 out of 5 stars
Good but could have been better and fuller
The indictment is clear, but the argument for it is still rather sketchy and limited. Those who perpetrate abortions are murderers (though a woman who allows her fetus to be... Read more
Published on September 16, 2003 by Ben Kilpela
