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The Xmas Files

The Philosophy of Christmas

Stephen Law

A philosophical but fun look at the meanings of Christmas myths and rituals, from carving the turkey to why Santa wears red

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Reviews

  

In a secular society, does Christmas mean anything anymore? As we stuff ourselves with plumped-up turkeys, unwrap the latest useless gadget, and gather round the family tree, what real relevance does the festive season have and why do we perpetuate it?

The Philosophy of Christmas is designed to be a fun book but one underpinned by an exploration of serious philosophical issues. The way we celebrate Christmas says a lot about the way we relate to each other, our society and values. For instance, did you know that Santa's outfit is only red and white because those are the colours of the Coca Cola company?

Already a bestselling author, Stephen Law takes a look at such things as the virgin birth (David Hume's theories on miracles), Bertrand Russell's turkey, the existential angst of Santa, and peace on earth to produce a humourous, varied and thought-provoking collection.

 

"As Law reassesses the meanings behind the season, he does his damnedest to make the whole terrain accessible to the non-philosophy student."

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The Xmas Files-The Philosophy of Christmas

Buy The Xmas Files from Amazon
£7.99
Hardback
140 pages
198 x 132 mm
ISBN-10: 0297847228
ISBN-13: 9780297847229
Publication: October 2003
'the xmas files' is also available in paperback format
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