Why?

Philippe Huneman is Research Director at the Institut d'Histoire et de Philosophie des Sciences et des Techniques, CNRS/ Université Paris I Panthéon Sorbonne and the author of several books in French and English, including Philosophical Sketches of Death in Biology: An Historical and Analytic Investigation (2022).

• Introduction: Introduction1. Why Is Oscar Pistorius Guilty of Murder?2. Why Do Things Fall When We Let Them Go?3. Why Did Mickey Mouse Open the Fridge?4. Why Do Triceratops Have Horns?5. Why Did World War I Happen?6. Why Did Napoleon Lose at Waterloo?7. Why Were There American Soldiers on the 15:17 Train from Amsterdam to Paris on August 21, 2015?8. Why Does Romeo Love Juliet?9. Why Am I Me?Conclusion: Why "Why?"

"This is an engaging, creative, and masterful exploration of human experience, stemming from the seemingly innocent question 'why?' Huneman expertly draws upon an exceptionally rich array of sources—from the philosophical to the everyday—brought to life through illuminating examples. Even if we never reach an ultimate answer to life's most pressing query, this lucidly written book not only evokes its necessity, but transforms the way we will forever approach the question."—Anthony J. Steinbock, author of Knowing by Heart "Ranging with ease and erudition across both contemporary Anglo-American analytic and so-called Continental philosophies of science and the history of Western philosophy, Huneman argues that the plurality of questions expressed by 'why?' nevertheless share an underlying unity. A stimulating text addressed to professional philosophers as well as readers seeking to deepen their understanding of philosophy's relevance to common concerns."—Helen Longino, author of Studying Human Behavior "With wry humor, engaging examples, and indefatigable curiosity, Huneman takes the primeval question 'why?' as a launchpad to explore topics throughout the philosophy of science and beyond—evidence, cause, chance, natural selection, contingency and necessity, and in the end, love and the self."—Michael Strevens, author of The Knowledge Machine "This work offers a vast panorama that is both deeply researched and pleasant to read."—Sylvain Guilbaud, La Recherche "This is a particularly well-crafted introduction to the philosophy of science, one that combines sharpness and quiet erudition."—Pascal Engel, En attendant Nadeau