There is a strange paradox that our ability to think sets humanity apart, yet for the most part we resist at every opportunity the challenge of actually thinking. I recall a wonderful quotation from Steve Allen
“Impartial observers from other planets would consider ours an utterly bizarre enclave if it were populated by birds, defined as flying animals that nevertheless rarely or never actually flew. They would also be perplexed if they encountered in our seas, lakes, rivers, and ponds, creatures defined as swimmers that never did any swimming. But they would be even more surprised to encounter a species defined as a thinking animal if, in fact, the creature very rarely indulged in actual thinking.”

So, to the book. As its subtitle reveals is an invitation to thinking.
Perhaps the most famous thought experiment was conducted by Einstein when he imagined what it would be like to ride on a light beam. Pursuing that thought led him to question well established beliefs and ultimately led to his special theory of relativity, Here are 100 opportunities to explore, prompted by intriguing questions which invite you to challenge your beliefs, values and understanding.

For example the question in the title invites you to consider a future where pigs have been bred not only to speak, but also to desire being eaten as their life’s wish. How would this affect people’s willingness to eat meat?

Discussion points are offered for each question which broaden and illuminate possible areas to consider. The value of the book is not found by arriving at answers, rather exercising your mind in being able to take the journey.

The 99 other questions provide stimulating brain exercise and plenty of discussion points. As a result you’ll probably see a host of things in a new light. ( )

The title is confusing and therefore interesting, which is why I picked up the book. Basically this is a book which contains 100 short thought experiments, or short scenarios, which could be strange and weird like what's used as the title, which are used to explain a moral, ethical or philosophical problem in a vivid and concrete way. Confusing? It is. Basically this is the work of philosophers. They sit down and play around with weird scenarios like this, detaching themselves from the real world. Some of the scenarios are interesting and provide a rich food for thought. It could be nice discussion or debate themes, if you're into this kind of stuff. Because it's a compilation of many short scenarios it can be picked up and put down anytime. It could be a great travel reading, if you're into this kind of thing. It could be boring, if you don't like it. It certainly is a good way to encourage our brain to work harder. But to me this book mainly enlighten me on how a philosopher's work.
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Stupid, boring. ( )

Those who have taken classes in philosophy will find the material in this book familiar. Philosophers, comfortably detached from the nuances of real life, come up with what they call “thought experiments” to discuss with one another. Some of the experiments contained in this book include the question of whether it is wrong to inflict pain on someone who won’t remember it and therefore won’t fear it? And what if everything we know has been a deceit; can we still make rational sense of the world?
Many people might find questions like these an utterly stupid waste of time. There is a point to all this, though. By discussing these limited, ascetic scenarios, we can get more easily to the heart of issues that bother us. It breaks matters down into their component parts.
This is a fun book that will likely appeal to those interested in philosophy or debate.

Proof