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Yes, there is a school of philosophy for just about every subject, including Christmas.  It’s no secret that I’m a firm believer in everyone doing a little deep thinking every now and then.

If you’re looking for a nifty gifty for the armchair philosopher in your life, I recommend the “Philosophy for Everyone” series, from Wiley publishing.  They cover everything from coffee to serial killers, but if you want to give something that’s festively-themed, there’s even a book on philosophy and Christmas.  The books are even compact enough to fit into most stockings.

Happy Holidays, all you deep thinkers out there!

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to delve into Plato’s Republic in order to do philosophy.  It’s really as simple as giving some thought to questions that are philosophical in nature.  But where to start?

There are a lot of fantastic resources out there for grown-ups, but I’m partial to books by Peter Cave.  Peter presents philosophy to his readers by posing seemingly silly questions that don’t really have a clear answer, but which open up all sorts of discussion on important issues.  His books are funny, engaging, and a great way to slip a little deep thought into one’s day.  I’ve brought them with me into the classroom, and I’ve given them as gifts to nimble-minded friends.

Some of his more popular titles include:

• Do Llamas Fall in Love?
• What’s Wrong With Eating People?
• Can a Robot Be Human?

Check out Peter’s website, for more information, and for some interesting tidbits.

Philosophy is as adaptable (and durable) as fruit cake.  There are books that apply big ideas to just about every theme and topic you can imagine, including holiday merriment.  If you find yourself sipping cider by the fire, with a little extra time on your hands, here’s a great holiday read.

“The Xmas Files: The Philosophy of Christmas” by Stephen Law is a feast for the mind.  Law tackles everything from Santa to turkey dinners, approaching each tradition from the perspective of famous thinkers.  Well-known for his highly-accessible approach to philosophy, he makes it appealing for both beginners and seasoned “professionals”.