eBook The Xmas Files: The Philosophy of Christmas ePub

Borrow Stephen looks at various aspects of Christmas through the eyes of philosophy

Borrow Stephen looks at various aspects of Christmas through the eyes of philosophy. He discusses the ethics of lying about gifts you didn't like, the morality of eating turkey, kitsch Christmas sentimentality pitfalls, is peace-on-earth a good idea, and so on. If you collect Christmas books, or you're really into philosophical debates, you might like this book. At the time I bought this, I was a Christmas book collector.

The Xmas Files is very entertaining. It also gets you thinking about the kind of stuff that usually just passes us by. All fourteen chapters are short, breezy reads

The Xmas Files is very entertaining. All fourteen chapters are short, breezy reads. Some are intended as bit of fun, like "The Santa Claus puzzle" in which Law appears to prove that Santa exists. But others, despite the wry humour, are surprisingly illuminating (especially "wrapping the presents" which really made me think). Some are even touching ("Christmas card kitsch").

THE XMAS FILES is a philosophical meander though the myths and rituals of Christmas today, asking such important questions as does Santa exist? What's wrong with Christmas kitsch? Is it all just a commercial racket? What was Augustine's attitude to 'peace on earth'? And what would.

THE XMAS FILES is a philosophical meander though the myths and rituals of Christmas today, asking such important questions as does Santa exist? What's wrong with Christmas kitsch? Is it all just a commercial racket? What was Augustine's attitude to 'peace on earth'? And what would David Hume have to say about the virgin birth? For underneath all the festive fun, the way we celebrate Christmas does raise serious questions about the beliefs that sustain us, and the ways in which we still value ritual and tradition as a means of coming together.

Clean, undamaged book with no damage to pages and minimal wear to the cover.

XMas Files - The Philosophy of Christmas. The Xmas Files" is designed to be a fun book, but one underpinned by an exploration of some real issues.

I particularly enjoyed the discussions about religion and the conflict with commercialisation of Christmas, and the .

I particularly enjoyed the discussions about religion and the conflict with commercialisation of Christmas, and the range of ways that we can celebrate this time of year no matter what beliefs we hold. It has a casual, engaging style that is similar to the other works by Law like The Philosophy Files, and while it might seem an obvious present for this time of the year, it’s certainly a great addition to a beginner’s library on the subject regardless.

Philosophy of Computing and Information. Similar books and articles. Added to PP index 2015-02-13. Philosophy of Mathematics. Philosophy of Physical Science. Philosophy of Social Science. Philosophy of Probability.

item 2 The Xmas Files: The Philosophy of Christmas, Law, Stephen, Very Good Book -The Xmas Files: The Philosophy of Christmas, Law, Stephen, Very Good Book. In a secular society, does Christmas mean anything anymore? This book is designed to be a fun book but one underpinned by an exploration of serious philosophical issues. The way we celebrate Christmas says a lot about the way we relate to each other, our society and values.

A philosophical but fun look at the meanings of Christmas myths and rituals, from carving the turkey to why Santa wears. A philosophical but fun look at the meanings of Christmas myths and rituals, from carving the turkey to why Santa wears red. Picture the scene: Aunt Gertrude has just given you the most appalling Christmas tie, complete with snow-flecked kittens in a bowler hat. Do you smile, nod, and confine it to the bottom drawer? Or do you tell the truth and spare yourself future ties from hell?

Stephen Law teaches philosophy at Heythrop College, a London theological establishment, and provides a slim crib sheet for the traditional festive dinner-table row. Is it hypocritical to celebrate the festival if you’re not a Christian?

Stephen Law teaches philosophy at Heythrop College, a London theological establishment, and provides a slim crib sheet for the traditional festive dinner-table row. Is it hypocritical to celebrate the festival if you’re not a Christian? (N.