Driving to California: An Unconventional Introduction to Philosophy

A series of sketches, plays and stories expounding the nature and importance of philosophy in our everyday lives, this text attempts to illustrate our conflicts and moral dilemmas. In the title sketch, Radford describes the decisions, sulks and compromises faced by a family of three contemplating driving across America. He goes on to illustrate, in the Positive Desirability of Evil , and Ronald, The Reluctant Rhinoceros , how we all unknowingly take part in philosophical debates. He shows that these moral dilemmas are what make our lives rich, diverse, challenging and puzzling. The chapter, The Examined Life , explains that our lives are governed by philosophical dilemmas, and warns that if we fail to question how we live of our lives, they are not, as Plato said, worth living.