Eureka! 81 Key Ideas Explained

There is another book by the same author, Eureka!: What Archimedes Really Meant and 80 Other Key Ideas Explained, which I believe is just a later edition of this book. In this other version the illustrator is given authorship credit, but not in the version being discussed here. This book contains an interesting compilation of concepts from Philosophy, Science, Psychology, Economics and other disciplines. Since 81 ideas are covered in 240 pages (allowing only 1-6 pages for each), the author limits the discussion to just some basic concepts, which is all that many readers may want. There is an extensive list of references for those who want to delve deeper. I am not enough of an expert to comment on the accuracy of the sections, but from what I know of a few of them they looked reasonable. Ideas such as what is meant by " an Ontological Proof", "the Categorical Imperative", "a Quantum Leap", "the Pleasure Principle", "the Paradox of Value", "Less is More" and 75 more concepts are summarized. The book should be a good reference summary for the concepts that are covered - enough for a cocktail party, but not for a detailed answer for an exam in a philosophy, physics, psychology or economics course. The virtue of the book is in its breadth of coverage, not the detail of its coverage. There are illustrations and the writing is clear and entertaining. This book should whet the appetites of many readers, directing them to additional studies.

This review is based on a different edition of this book, Eureka! 81 Key Ideas Explained, which I believe is an earlier version of this book. (The illustrator, Tom Lulevich is not listed as an author in this earlier version.) This book contains an interesting compilation of concepts from Philosophy, Science, Psychology, Economics and other disciplines. Since 81 ideas are covered in 240 pages (allowing only 1-6 pages for each), the author limits the discussion to just some basic concepts, which is all that many readers may want. There is an extensive list of references for those who want to delve deeper. I am not enough of an expert to comment on the accuracy of the sections, but from what I know of a few of them they looked reasonable. Ideas such as what is meant by " an Ontological Proof", "the Categorical Imperative", "a Quantum Leap", "the Pleasure Principle", "the Paradox of Value", "Less is More" and 75 more concepts are summarized. The book should be a good reference summary for the concepts that are covered - enough for a cocktail party, but not for a detailed answer for an exam in a philosophy, physics, psychology or economics course. The virtue of the book is in its breadth of coverage, not the detail of its coverage. There are illustrations and the writing is clear and entertaining. This book should whet the appetites of many readers, directing them to additional studies.

Good concise explanations for a number of scientific, philosophical and economic principles. Each section teaches the major gist of a key idea or principle without getting deep into detail that would require previous knowledge. If you have a broad span of interests (particularly scientific) you'll enjoy this book. Several economic principles are covered. I found them particularly interesting due to my complete lack of a background in economics. Whatever you know, you can learn a great deal from this book.

Enjoyable overview of some scientific and philosophical principles from across the ages. Macrone makes it easy to understand and keeps it lighthearted.

This book is incredibly well written--clear and concise despite it's broad subject matter. This book will provide you with the groundwork that any educated adult will need to summarize the most important ideas that humanity has labored on, ideas that developed and improved our existence, our world and our understanding of these. Each idea is described in simple yet thorough terms, with all the supporting facts and all of the opposing facts. Truly an unbiased presentation of the ideas that have shaped scientific and philosophical history.I used this as a spring board for additional reading; when I find a philosophical idea or a scientific precept that interests me, I can seek a more in-depth book about it. After reading the summary of it's important precedents and effects as well as its source and descendent ideas, I have the foundation to pursue more difficult text on the subject(or hold my own in a casual conversation with other educated persons). Also, the short chapters that each encompass a single great idea are great for a "one-a-day" style reading, each five or ten minutes long. The result is that you get a daily dose of thought-provoking ideas and perspectives on life whcih you can then devote a day of all your idle time to. A real opportunity for intellectual and spiritual growth. This is definitely a book to read and re-read, to ponder and enjoy, to encourage further exploration, and to prepare you for day to day conversation at any Ivey League lunch table.