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Plato at the Googleplex: Why Philosophy Won't Go AwayIs philosophy obsolete? Are the ancient questions still relevant in the age of cosmology and neuroscience, not to mention crowd sourcing and cable news? The acclaimed philosopher and novelist Rebecca Newberger Goldstein provides a dazzlingly original plunge into the drama of philosophy, revealing its hidden role in today's debates on religion, morality, politics, and science. At the origin of Western philosophy stands Plato, who got about as much
Is philosophy obsolete? Are the ancient questions still relevant in the age of cosmology and neuroscience, not to mention crowd-sourcing and cable news? The acclaimed philosopher and novelist Rebecca Newberger Goldstein provides a dazzlingly original plunge into the drama of philosophy, revealing its hidden role in today's debates on religion, morality, politics, and science.
At the origin of Western philosophy stands Plato, who got about as much wrong as one would expect from a thinker who lived 2,400 years ago. But Plato's role in shaping philosophy was pivotal. On her way to considering the place of philosophy in our ongoing intellectual life, Goldstein tells a new story of its origin, re-envisioning the extraordinary culture that produced the man who produced philosophy. But it is primarily the fate of philosophy that concerns her. Is the discipline no more than a way of biding our time until the scientists arrive on the scene? Have they already arrived? Does philosophy itself ever make progress? And if it does, why is so ancient a figure as Plato of any continuing relevance? Plato at the Googleplex is Goldstein's startling investigation of these conundra. She interweaves her narrative with Plato's own choice for bringing ideas to life--the dialogue. Imagine that Plato came to life in the twenty-first century and embarked on a multicity speaking tour. How would he handle the host of a cable news program who denies there can be morality without religion? How would he mediate a debate between a Freudian psychoanalyst and a tiger mom on how to raise the perfect child? How would he answer a neuroscientist who, about to scan Plato's brain, argues that science has definitively answered the questions of free will and moral agency? What would Plato make of Google, and of the idea that knowledge can be crowd-sourced rather than reasoned out by experts? With a philosopher's depth and a novelist's imagination and wit, Goldstein probes the deepest issues confronting us by allowing us to eavesdrop on Plato as he takes on the modern world. (With black-and-white photographs throughout.)Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: Vintage
Published: 01/06/2015
ISBN: 9780307456724
Pages: 480
Weight: 0.90lbs
Size: 8.00h x 5.25w x 1.06d
Review Citations: New York Times Book Review 01/25/2015 pg. 24
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★★★★★ 5
Great Product that does exactly what it says it will.
Color: Beige, Size: 34"- 3 Panel
I really enjoy this product and it does exactly what it describes. I use it on my balcony. It is effective, but still very lightweight. It is easy to assemble as well. The price point is excellent. Also, I had an interaction with the company about an issue and they were incredibly responsive and helpful, fixing the issue immediately. Highly recommend.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 3, 2026
★★★★★ 5
Great WFH screen for video calls
Color: Black, Size: 22"- 4 Panel
I share a workspace with my hubs since we both work from home. I have the attention span of a 🐿️ and need this so I can focus on my work and not get distracted by him, since he is very amusing to watch. This screen is very lightweight and the panels can move and create a little cubicle around your workspace. I personally loved cubicles & despise open space seating, even at home. The ADHDer in my loves being able to block things away from my field of vision.
These panels also hide any mess behind you, especially if you forget to blur the background on Teams or Zoom calls or if you don’t have the option to change your backgrounds.
This was fairly easy to put together and very easy to move and adjust. The screen is a much better option than a sheet as I’ve seen others use on calls.🤦🏻♀️😂 I’m not sure how it will stand up around rambunctious pets or kids, but fairly certain it takes quite a push to knock it over. We have four cats & I’m pretty sure someone would try to climb this, which is why they’re not allowed in our workspace.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 10, 2025
★★★★★ 4
Difficult to assemble, but a good basic divider
Color: Beige, Size: 22"- 4 Panel
I bought this to use as a background for when I have video calls. I wish I'd ordered the 6- or even 8-panel to block a little more, but that's my own error. It still covers a good portion of the room, so I'll make do, or maybe buy another at a later date to expand it.
It looks ok, if a little plain. The fabric panels have creases in them from being folded and will need to be steamed or ironed out for a nicer look. It would be easy to make your own panels as well, if you're so inclined.
The construction is decent. The frame is lightweight and if you don't angle the base supports the right way it may tip over if you extend it too far. The fabric panels aren't the highest quality, but are sturdy enough. They seem like they would handle being thrown in the wash well.
The only issue I have with it is that it was so difficult to put together. The push latches that connect the poles don't push it well and hurt my hands. The fabric panels are sized to be extremely taut, which makes it very difficult to get them on the bars without forcing the bar to bend slightly.
Overall, this is a good divider if you're looking for something simple and functional without being too worried about aesthetic. It's also a good, inexpensive base if you want to make your own custom panels.
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Reviewed in the United States on August 5, 2025
★★★★★ 5
Great Room divider
Color: Beige, Size: 34"- 3 Panel
Works well in separating my kids play area from my computer/office room. Easy to put together, height is perfect somewhat sturdy, looks great, light weight, not good if you are using it as a door, but if it is to stay in place than it is stable enough.
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Reviewed in the United States on September 3, 2025
★★★★★ 5
Exactly what I needed
Color: Black, Size: 34"- 3 Panel, Color: Black, Size: 34"- 3 Panel
It was easy to put together even without a power drill. Completely opaque. Only a very small slit between poles. I plan to add black electrical tape, but that's because I don't want nosies peeking through to see my screen. The height is beautiful. I was afraid it wouldn't be as tall as I needed. But it is perfect.
I share a small office with a good buddy of mine. People passing by our door is distracting and invites them to speak to me. I needed something that would stop the former and prevent the latter, especially when I'm deep in concentration mode. The two panels are enough to block outsiders and the third panel I will employ when I can't even be disturbed by my officemate. It's the fastest and easiest signal not to disrupt me at all. 10/10
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Reviewed in the United States on August 3, 2025