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The Philosophical Baby
- What Children's Minds Tell Us About Truth, Love and the Meaning of Life
- Narrated by: Elisabeth Rodgers
- Length: 8 hrs and 52 mins
- Unabridged Audiobook
- Categories: Politics & Social Sciences, Philosophy
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Publisher's Summary
This new science holds answers to some of the deepest and oldest questions about what it means to be human. A new baby's captivated gaze at her mother's face lays the foundations for love and morality. A toddler's unstoppable explorations of his playpen hold the key to scientific discovery. A three-year-old's wild make-believe explains how we can imagine the future, write novels, and invent new technologies.
Alison Gopnik - a leading psychologist and philosopher, as well as a mother - explains the groundbreaking new psychological, neuroscientific, and philosophical developments in our understanding of very young children, transforming our understanding of how babies see the world, and in turn promoting a deeper appreciation for the role of parents.
What the critics say
"Her pages are packed with provocative observations and cunning insights. I'd highly recommend this fascinating book to any parent of a young child - and, indeed, anyone who has ever been a baby." ( The Guardian)
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What listeners say about The Philosophical Baby
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- LizandRodion
- 2013-01-08
Literally Un-Listenable
This book has the worst narration ever. It was so grating and monotonous I could not listen to the book. Awful.
6 people found this helpful
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- Keiko
- 2012-07-16
Don't bother
Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?
Narrator was annoying and I found myself zoning out. Should have gotten another book.
4 people found this helpful
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- Nancy Deschenes
- 2012-04-29
See the world like a child
What is it like to be a child? how do children look at the world?
A very good read for any parent or anyone who takes care of children. It helps us understand how children think, and why it's sometimes so hard to make them understand. It will change how you look at your children. It will also encourage you to look at the world differently, to see what we don't see anymore, because we're too grownup for that.
Well researched, and scientifically based; this is not a touchy-feel-y how-to-bring-up-kids book. As a matter of fact, it will likely leave you with more questions than answers, but it will make you notice all that goes on in their little heads.
It is also an interesting read for those trying to find out how their own minds work, particularly the more intuitive, less organized side.
The narration is a little over-done, and can be distracting at times.
3 people found this helpful
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- Anonymous User
- 2010-05-17
Good info, annoying narrator
As much as I admire Alison Gopnik, I was unable to listen to this because of the narrator's constant use of upspeak? I don't know if this is how she really talks or she adopted it for this project only but either way, it ruined an otherwise terrific book.
10 people found this helpful
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- Anne
- 2011-04-23
Hard to stay engaged due to narrator
I really can't evaluate the content of this book because the narrator makes it so difficult to listen and stay engaged. When I sped the book up to 1.5 speed instead of normal speed it was better, but slightly distorted. I finally gave up, which is a shame because I think there may have been some worthwhile content. Be sure to listen to a sample before you buy. If you're really into the subject matter, you might be able to make it through.
7 people found this helpful
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- Donald Braman
- 2011-02-26
strangely affected reading ...
... but a good book. It's a bit dated now, but it's nice to hear about this research.
4 people found this helpful
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- Melissa
- 2017-06-09
Super Interesting
I'm currently pregnant and this book has given me a new perspective of how babies think and learn that I think will be useful when my baby arrives.
1 person found this helpful
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- Kristen Hagar
- 2019-06-09
Interesting book
Listened to this book after having a baby, and greatly enjoyed learning about how babies and young children see the world. I feel this gives a great insight that allows for compassionate parenting.
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- David Ulrey
- 2016-12-16
great read pre-baby
Really enjoyed this read! Insightful and great recommendations for soon-to-be moms out there. Thought provoking.
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- Elle Shopper Lady
- 2012-08-06
A book for everyone - new or future parents moreso
Where does The Philosophical Baby rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?
middle
What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?
The scientific details are so artfully integrated with the text on the whole, that it is very easy to stay with.
Which character – as performed by Elisabeth Rodgers – was your favorite?
It is not a book with Characters, but the telling of the workings of a baby's mind, from many points of view.
What insight do you think you’ll apply from The Philosophical Baby?
The bits of miracle in it can make the epiphany for new or future parents - it shares so many wonderful insights, and at the end of the book , the reader will have a fresh and appreciative and more sensitive way with babies - theirs or anyone's .
Any additional comments?
I gave it all those stars because it is valuable. All should read it. I am sharing it with the youngsters and read it myself because I am finally going to be a grandmother and, although I worked with children when mine were growing up , they are the typical later-in-life parents and I really forgot some of the senses that should help me be a fine grandparent. I liked the book. It was easy and not popish.