Just Think

Is the world we see around us really there? Is it ever right to do something wrong? Is beauty just a matter of opinion? Should everyone in society be paid the same? Are miracles possible? If you find questions like these fascinating, you are a philosopher. And if you are a philosopher, this book is for you.

This book is aimed at classes of intelligent children aged 9 to 14. It contains thirty philosophy puzzles, like the ones above, divided into sections on: epistemology, ethics, aesthetics, philosophy of science, social & political philosophy, and philosophy of religion.


Each puzzle starts with a discussion between Philip and Phoebe, an argumentative brother and sister, who take opposite sides on some important issue. Then follows a commentary, which explains what one or more famous philosophers have said on the topic in the past. Finally, there are related questions to discuss and one or more websites for research.


This edition is intended for class use, so each introductory discussion can be read without its commentary being seen. It is accompanied by another, intended for teachers and parents, that contains extra commentary giving further philosophical background, plus suggestions about the questions at the end of each puzzle.


Philip West taught students aged 8 to 18 for many years in a variety of schools. He has a degree in Natural Sciences, and a PhD in Philosophy and related subjects, both from Cambridge University. The puzzles originated in a popular Philosopher of the Week competition which he ran at Westminster Under School in London.