I like to think that I like philosophy, but maybe I just like the idea of philosophy. When my husband took a philosophy class a few years ago, while he was working on his degree, I insisted we keep the textbook.
It’s still sitting on the shelf, unread by me. I still might get to it, though…someday…
I was intrigued, then, to read Disorientation – How to go to College Without Losing Your Mind. It’s philosophy, but in a debunking sort of vein. This is a collection of today’s great Catholic thinkers showing me, the common reader, what’s wrong with the popular philosophies and mindsets that pervade culture now, including more than one that I didn’t know by name.
On the one hand, you’ll read about what’s wrong with Relativism; on the other, you’ll read why Multiculturalism is, in fact, an error in thinking. Who knew that Consumerism was more than just something to avoid and that Americanism was more than having a few too many flags?
This is also a preparation for discussions that skirt with what the Catholic Church teaches or should teach. It prepares you to see the errors of logic and reason and call them what they are. For me, it put a name to some “that’s not quite right” gut feelings I’ve had, but for which I didn’t have a name.
The list of contributors is a who’s who, and the writing is just what you’d expect from this gang of excellence. It’s arranged by year—Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior—and is intended to be for college-age people. I think, though, that it’s a great book for any adult, especially if you want to understand the mindsets that are prevalent today.
What I enjoyed most was reading something that prepared me for discussions that involve these multi-syllable philosophical terms. Each essay has its own recommended reading and is written to be understood quickly.
Whether you’re a college student, a parent, or just a person like me who wants to know more, you’ll find a great resource and good education in this book.
This review was written as part of the Catholic book reviewer program from The Catholic Company. Visit The Catholic Company to find more information on Disorientation – How to go to College Without Losing Your Mind.
