How to Explore Food Through Philosophy

[Steve Mirsky]

The Philosopher’s Table, a new book by author Marietta McCarty, gives you step-by-step instructions on how to start your very own "philosophy dinner club," including monthly recipes as well as accompanying conversation topics and music.

Here's how Marietta envisions her book being used: “A lively group of thinkers gathers as the music plays—hungry for camaraderie, discussion of a topic of mutual interest, and dinner. Everyone arrives with food and drink contributions that complement the dishes prepared by the welcoming host. Each month another member of the group sets a different cultural table for a new topic, tunes, and food that represents the next stop on their twelve-month philosophical journey around the world. Honest talk and respect for differing perspectives warm each evening. Understanding of the world large and small improves lives - new ways of living present themselves as real possibilities.”

Each chapter representing a different month of the year puts you in a different country's philosophy paired with a signature dish. Practice nonviolence while sharing tofu curry with Burma’s Aung San Suu Kyi, learn the fundamentals of rational decision-making with a mouthful of bratwurst from Germany’s Immanuel Kant.

Lets get cooking and watch the conversations unfold!

Photo courtesy of Marietta McCarty