The Ultimate Harry Potter and Philosophy: Hogwarts for Muggles

Fun and excellent book. If I were a professor of philosophy (rather than my field), I'd teach a Harry Potter & Philosophy course using this as the main textbook. It's fun and interesting. I got the book on tape as well, and I have a blast listening to the analysis and connections using the Harry Potter universe with fun philosophic ideas (some of which I'm familiar with, and some not-so-much). Each chapter references the Harry Potter universe in great detail. Perfect for fans who want to dive into the philosophy Rowling used as well as fans who want to use this as a jumping off point to enter philosophy...or just think about concepts in a new, fun way, as I do.

I don't know a whole lot about philosophy, but after reading this book I feel that I have at least a basic grasp of philosophical concepts. I enjoy reading the Harry Potter books a lot and I find this book to be quite educational and interesting. So I would recommend any HP fan who wants to learn something about philosophy to read this book.If you enjoy reading this book, then you might also want to try "Batman and Philosophy: The Dark Knight of the Soul". That's also a pretty good book, and it complements this book well.P.S. I do wonder how the author/publisher got permission to use D. Radcliffe's image on the cover.

Well this is embarrassing! While only two-thirds of the way through reading this very enjoyable introductory-level text on the classic philosophies incorporated into each of the Harry Potter novels, I accidentally left the book behind as I got off my commuter train last night. I checked at the train station this evening, and the book has not been turned in, from which I conclude someone else agrees this looks like a worthwhile book to read. I've also heard the same from a teen to whom I mentioned the book.I've now just put my money where my mouth is, and ordered another copy for my Kindle 3G. Thus, we have assurance I consider the Ultimate Harry Potter and Philosophy worth its asking price.For me, the book is useful in three ways: 1) as a pleasant refresher on the basic issues of Philosophy, and how those were dealt with by several of the best classic philosophers; 2) as a pleasant refresher on the important ideas, values and events of the entire Harry Potter series; and 3) as a bridge between generations, connecting popular culture with the enduring values of Western Civilization.One surprising aspect of the book is that it mentions libertarian ideas fairly often, which I'd not noticed when reading the Potter books originally. Thankfully, it also is supportive of the idea of absolute truths, rather than insisting as some modern philosophers do that everything is relative.As a team effort, some chapters are better than others, but all thus far are well worth reading.Definitely recommended!

Great literary criticism in addition to being a great introduction to many philosophical topics. The contributors are all accomplished in the academy, and are passionate Harry Potter fans. The truly surprising and pleasant discovery for one interested in scholarship and the enjoyment of popular literature, is that none of the arguments are stretched or force. The theses are strong and laudably defended. The books speak for themselves as worthy indeed of serious thought and scholarship.

Well written...an good philosophical insight into the well-known Harry Potter book series.

For fans of Harry Potter and of Philosphical writing... this book is an exxcellent choice. The author demonstrates the way that J. K. Rowling deals with some of the most important moral, ethical, religious and philosophical questions of our day. Through this book we discover a much deeper understanding of the Harry Potter series and we receive a much deeper insight into our own thoughts and motivations. This book is vitally important for young readers, as well as extremely valuable for adults.

An excellent book for any Harry Potter fan, this read delves into the world of Harry Potter from a philosophical and moral standpoint, using specific examples from both the books and the films (though primarily the books) to spark thought, debate, and otherwise enrich the world of HP. I would highly recommend this to HP fans.

I adore this book. I used it for an argumentative essay for one of my university classes, and received excellent feedback from my use of sources. Not only educational for a Potterhead, but also a fantastic read!

Bought to help with philosophy work, very interesting. Already read the first chapter, good quality and arrived the day before it was due.

Educational and fun to read!

A great read for a Potter enthusiast

very nice

fantastic book which is well written. exactly what it says on the cover. explores the Philosophy of Harry Potter from the beginning to the end. covers all 7 books in the series.