Food and Philosophy Eat, Think, and Be Merry

Insightful and zesty, this engaging volume encourages readers to sample essays that appeal to their philosophical tastes. Organized thematically like an à la carte menu, the book opens with "Food in Culture & amp; Society, " a glimpse at the inherently social and cultural aspects of food, whetting the appetite for what is to follow, including topics such as: Who decides just what constitutes quality cuisine or foul fare? Is food aesthetically important? How are food and sensuality related? Do we have an ethical responsibility to eat organic, free-range, vegetarian, or locally grown foods?In addition to contributions by philosophers, the book also includes a rare collection of essays by culinary professionals and food critics who infuse their passion for food with philosophical flavorings. Another installment in the "Epicurean Trilogy " (together with Wine & amp; Philosophy and Beer & amp; Philosophy), Food & amp; Philosophy serves up a healthy helping of timely food-oriented thinking.

Fritz Allhoff, PhD, is an assistant professor of philosophy at Western Michigan University. His research areas are in ethical theory, applied ethics, and philosophy of biology/science. He is the editor of Wine & Philosophy (Blackwell 2007).

Dave Monroe was an accomplished chef, restaurant consultant, and caterer prior to pursuing academic philosophy. He is an adjunct instructor at the Applied Ethics Institute of St. Petersburg College.