---
product_id: 31446336
title: "The Whys of a Philosophical Scrivener"
brand: "martin gardner"
price: "€ 39.11"
currency: EUR
in_stock: true
reviews_count: 5
url: https://www.desertcart.ie/products/31446336-the-whys-of-a-philosophical-scrivener
store_origin: IE
region: Ireland
---

# The Whys of a Philosophical Scrivener

**Brand:** martin gardner
**Price:** € 39.11
**Availability:** ✅ In Stock

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** The Whys of a Philosophical Scrivener by martin gardner
- **How much does it cost?** € 39.11 with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship
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## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5.0 out of 5 stars







  
  
    A rare blend of skepticism and humility
  

*by D***H on Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on June 6, 2014*

I have known about Martin Gardner since the 1970's when I was in High School.  Until recently, I had only read one of his books - "Relativity Simply Explained" - which did not impress me.  So I didn't read any more of his books.  It's as though I went into a good restaurant, ordered the only mediocre dish on my first visit, and never returned.That is, until I stumbled on "The Whys of a Philosophical Scrivener." In interviews, Gardner said "Whys" was his favorite of the many books he wrote.  If you like to ponder the "eternal questions" (or need to be reminded that there ARE eternal questions that Siri cannot answer), I warmly recommend this book to you.  It is provocative and refreshing, even in places where you may disagree.  [Chapter 20, entitled "Surprise," is my favorite chapter.]After finishing "Whys," I went on a Gardner binge, ordering and rapidly ingesting 7 more of his books. "Whys" stayed in first place.  My first and second runners up are:"The Night is Large"A collection of essays written by Gardner himself.  Includes five chapters from "Whys," including Chapter 20."Great Essays in Science"An eclectic anthology assembled by Gardner from the writings of others, from Darwin to Einstein.  Originally published in 1957, re-issued in 1984 with one article dropped and four new ones added.  Different from any other science anthology I have read.  Strong emphasis on philosophical questions and societal implications.  Very much in the spirit of "Whys."_______________________________________________________________Gardner was best known for his Mathematical Games columns in Scientific American.  Over the years, these columns were re-issued in 15 separate books.  If you are interested in the math books but don't know where to start, I have two suggestions:1. The Mathematical Association of America (MAA) sells a CD with pdf files for all 15 books of Gardner's Mathematical Games columns, including the complete Dr. Matrix volume:"Martin Gardner's Mathematical Games: The Entire Collection of His Scientific American Columns on one CD"I bought this CD on the MAA website for $49.95.  A good deal if you don't mind reading books on a screen.  This CD includes a lengthy biographical interview.2. If you prefer your books in paper and ink, a compromise is "The Colossal Book of Mathematics," published in 2001.  "Colossal" includes the original text of Gardner's Top 50 Mathematical Games columns with updates and bibliographies added to each.  Note, however, that "Colossal" does *not* include any of the Dr. Matrix columns.Enjoy!

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.0 out of 5 stars







  
  
    Excellent Example of Critical Thought
  

*by D***E on Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on February 16, 2020*

Martin Gardner's The Whys of a Philosophical Scrivener is a worthwhile read for anyone grappling with life's big questions. The most redeeming quality is the insight it provides into the author's complex reasoning processes. Mr. Gardner tackles most of the major topics in philosophy and describes exactly how he formed his personal belief system. While I don't agree with all of his conclusions, particularly concerning theism, the depth of thought is refreshing. The world would be a better place if this level of introspection were to become commonplace.Another redeeming quality is that the book is, for the most part, polemic free. Mr. Gardner doesn't attempt to persuade readers with rhetoric. As he states on page 352, "I find no urgency in persuading anyone of anything". Because of this, it's a great resource for those with nascent opinions.In spite of the redeeming qualities above, I could only give the book a 4-star rating. It is a laborious read that could be 30% shorter without losing any meaning. At times, the many source quotes feel more than a collection of facts than a narrative. This is not a source for the time-constrained reader.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5.0 out of 5 stars







  
  
    Excellent condition.
  

*by L***N on Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on February 5, 2023*

The product was as represented if not in better shape. It was well packaged.

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*Product available on Desertcart Ireland*
*Store origin: IE*
*Last updated: 2026-02-22*