What’s in a Doughnut Hole? (Paperback)
And Other Philosophical Food for Thought
Suki Finn
Does a doughnut hole exist? How many grains of rice in a biryani? Can the baker, who only bakes for those who don’t bake for themselves, bake for herself?
Using food to explore classic philosophical puzzles and paradoxes about how we know, perceive and experience things, and to question the nature of reality, language and truth, this book will get your brain whirring and your stomach rumbling.
Suki Finn, a Philosophy Lecturer at Royal Holloway, University of London, serves up plenty of philosophical food for thought – enough to whet the appetite of the novice and to satisfy philosophers hungry for a different take on familiar themes. What’s in a Doughnut Hole? gives us new ways to think about the world and to understand our place in it.
‘Suki Finn has the ability to make philosophical ideas both fun and accessible. She writes with clarity and, consequently, this book is a marvellous romp through many engaging philosophical puzzles.’ – Stephen Law, author of The Great Philosophers
‘This lively, wide-ranging book serves as a taster menu for some deep philosophy. Easily digestible, you can dip in and out. I consumed the whole thing, after which the plate of food in front of me was magically transformed into a bewitching array of problems and paradoxes.’ – David Edmonds, author of Death in a Shallow Pond
‘This book is unlike any other philosophy book you will encounter. It’s a lighthearted, witty romp through a huge number of philosophical issues. And it’s also a series of ruminations on food of all sorts. It’s a great way to discover philosophy – the reader will come away with a very sophisticated knowledge of philosophy, almost without realizing how much hard thinking they are being led though. And they’ll enjoy it immensely!’ – Jennifer Saul, author of Dogwhistles and Figleaves
‘A highly entertaining and accessible introduction to intriguing questions, puzzles and paradoxes from a variety of philosophical traditions. Dr Finn pulls off the feat of raising substantive issues with a light touch, and the conceit of using culinary examples to illustrate abstract ideas works brilliantly for a global audience. A delicious, digestible and nourishing array of appetisers that will whet your appetite for more.’ – Angie Hobbs, author of Why Plato Matters Now
‘This book is delicious! Dr Finn has created a playful yet seriously satisfying platter of puzzles, problems, and deep difficult questions to chew on. Her discussions are easy to swallow but they don’t skimp on the substance – reading this book is like chatting over dinner with a brilliant friend who knows all sorts of fascinating things and wants to share them with you in the most creative way possible.’ – Carrie Jenkins, author of Nonmonogamy and Happiness
‘A charming journey through the kitchen of the mind, where pizzas flirt with infinity, peas challenge the laws of identity, and every bite leads you down another delightful philosophical rabbit hole. Philosophy has rarely been this much fun – and has never tasted so good.’ – Achille C. Varzi, John Dewey Professor of Philosophy at Columbia University
‘This book is a must for anyone who thinks they might enjoy getting themselves into a philosophical headspin, especially if they like food. It’s lively, accessible and funny, and asks such questions as whether non-existent noodles are just as delicious as existent ones, whether a chip is different from the potato it’s made of, whether you can go back to the past and make a better choice of ice cream this time, and, yes, what exactly is the hole in a doughnut?’ – Helen Beebee, co-author of Philosophy: Why It Matters
