How to Teach Philosophy to Your Dog

Exploring the Big Questions in Life

Anthony McGowan

Because man’s best friend deserves to know the secrets of how to live a good life, too.

Monty was just like any other dog. A scruffy and irascible Maltese terrier, he enjoyed barking at pugs and sniffing at trees. But after yet another dramatic confrontation with the local Rottweiler, Anthony McGowan realizes it’s high time he and Monty had a chat about what makes him a good or a bad dog.

Taking his lead from Monty’s canine antics, McGowan takes us on a hilarious and enlightening jaunt through the major debates of philosophy. Will Kant convince Monty to stop stealing cheesecake? How long will they put up with Socrates poking holes in every argument?

In this uniquely entertaining take on morality and ethics, the dutiful duo set out to uncover who—if anyone—has the right end of the ethical stick and can tell us how best to live one’s life.

Anthony McGowan has a BA, MPhil, and PhD in philosophy, and has lectured widely on philosophy and creative writing. He is one of the funniest writers around. As an author for children and young adults he’s won many awards, while The Art of Failing, a hilarious account of his life as a writer, was named an Observer Book of the Year. He lives in North London with his wife and two children.

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Endorsements & Reviews

"McGowan playfully explores philosophy in this amusing collection of imaginary dialogues conducted with his Maltese terrier, Monty. Readers who have never roamed the paths of philosophy before, or who could use a return trip, will appreciate this enjoyable tour from a friendly guide and his loyal companion." Publishers Weekly

"A charming, informative, unique introduction to Western philosophy." Kirkus Reviews

"For essential reading on both the meaning of dogs and the meaning of life, I can recommend Anthony McGowan’s wonderful book How to Teach Philosophy to Your Dog, a series of conversations he had with his dog, Monty, while out walking together. The final chapter is a touching meditation on death and the existence—or not—of God, that takes in everything from Aristotle to Schopenhauer and leaves you suspecting dogs might already have had many of the answers all along." Guardian

"Filled with sparkling insights, a joy from start to finish. In turns witty, brilliant and irreverent, McGowan explains nothing less than the meaning of life – to his dog. If only we were all as lucky as Monty to go for long walks with the author." Peter Frankopan, author of 'The Silk Roads'