Philosophers' Dogs

Hang on a minute, dogs did what now?

Each and every human philosopher since time immemorial has stolen their best ‘ideas’ and insights from their four-legged friends. Not only that, but they’ve shamelessly changed and altered their dogs’ original philosophical thoughts to make them sound more human (read: more foolish).

Philosophers’ Dogs is the ground-breaking textbook that will shake the very foundations of both western and eastern philosophy.

Featuring beautiful illustrations alongside thorough, meticulous research and historical fact*, the book follows the philosophic trials, tribulations and tail-wagging of the dogs owned by famous philosophers and essayists, and presents to readers the unadulterated, real histories of the true philosophical masters of enlightenment.

*Not necessarily historical or fact.

A vital companion to the bookshelves of all philosophy students, teachers, dog lovers and, indeed, anyone with any interest in THE TRUTH, Philosophers’ Dogs also reveals the original, genuine quotes hitherto (wrongly) attributed to minds such as Karl Marx, Ayn Rand, David Foster Wallace, Socrates and Simone De Beauvoir.

Still sceptical? How about this sobering statistic:

Last year, in London alone, 50,000 dogs had their ideas for best-selling books stolen by their human owners and published without their consent.

Quite simply, infringement on canine copyright is an epidemic not confined to the realm of philosophy – though of course, it has been in the interests of so-called philosophers to keep this truth from the general public, so that they can continue to dine out on the mountains of free-flowing revenue and fast cars a career in philosophy offers those unscrupulous individuals who are willing to rip-off ‘man’s-best friend’.

How can dogs have come up with notions of existentialism and Marxist dialectics? Yesterday I watched a dog stare at an empty spot in a field for two hours before rolling in a cowpat.

To you the spot was empty.

Navigating the philosophical dog walk of life

Is it possible to be a good dog? Do we catch balls of our own volition? Or are our decisions to eat the rotten apples, to bark at the cat, predetermined? What is it to know that you have behaved well rather than merely believe it?

All these questions – and more – are answered in this comprehensive compendium that will expand your consciousness, introducing you to important philosophical ideas and constructs, while also shedding a light on the true pioneers of philosophical thought: philosophers’ dogs.

And who exactly is behind this idea?

Until human copyright law is altered, for legal reasons we’ll have to maintain that Philosophers’ Dogs is written by Samuel Dodson – a twenty-something-year-old writer based in London, who absolutely did not steal the idea for this book from his Labrador, Reg. Though of course it is important to note that Reg is a 100%, 10/10 certified very good boy.

Drawing on extensive research of existing texts and materials dealing with philosophy, as well as long interviews and extensive, discursive walks with dogs around the world, Sam has put together a comprehensive text book that details everything anyone needs to know about the world’s real philosophical masters.

Alongside this, Sam’s sister, Rosie Benson, has provided a series of stunning illustrations to accompany each philosopher (both dog and human copyright infringer).

So, what can be done?

If you'd like to help us make this book a reality, and finally reveal one of the most unjust of injustices to the world, please consider pledging for one of the levels to the right.

To be able to offer this to book to the world and put an extra wag in the tails of dogs around the world, please help however you can to make this dream of a project become a reality. You can pledge here for a copy of the book and a host of other rewards – including incredible original illustrated prints, as well as opportunities to accompany both the author and (perhaps more importantly) – his dog, on philosophical ramblings in scenic locations.

Once the book is funded the team at Unbound will start making it and, once it's ready, send it out to all you wonderful people.

Of course, it won’t happen without your support. So please pledge to help me hit 100%, get a copy of the book and a cool reward, and finally reveal that long-hidden truth: that all the most famous human philosophers stole their best ideas from their canine companions.