John Frame, We Are All Philosophers (Lexham Press, 2019), 224 pp.
Eminent Philosopher John Frame states at the outset of this book that he hopes to “write another book on philosophy that…[is] a bit less burdensome to the average reader.” He’s done precisely that in his new book We Are All Philosophers, published with Lexham Press. This book is short and to the point. In fact, it’s shorter than it looks, because the book proper (seven chapters) accounts for only 80 of the 158 pages. The remainder is an appendix of letters written by Frame, all of which were previously published along with other material in The Theological Correspondence of John Frame, also with Lexham Press. These letters are not just reheated and republished, though. Instead, they are selected specifically because they pertain to the seven main headings in the body of this book, and thus provide a helpful excursus for the curious reader. My chief complaint with the book is that I would have liked for these to have been incorporated into their relevant chapters. That would have provided an easier engagement with Frame’s thought on each topic.
The content of the book begins with the fundamental question of metaphysics: what is everything made of? Frame begins with the pre-socratic philosopher Thales and provides us with a brief but engaging summary of his thought and a couple of those who followed closely after him, before moving quickly to Aristotle and the atomists. These few pages are a masterful summary of Greek thought on the nature of the universe. The historical summary of atomism up to the present day is a tour-de-force, showing a common and fatal thread in philosophy and science that has existed since Democritus. My only minor critique with this chapter is that while Frame has certainly dismantled competing views, his own view could use a stronger presentation. While this is admittedly difficult in a book this length, one is left wondering how Frame’s suggestion isn’t simply more of Thales’ “metaphysical water.” Fortunately, I suspect he has elaborated on this in other works, but a little more clarity in this work would have helped.
The remaining topics are free will, epistemology, the existence of God, two chapters on ethics, and salvation. Each chapter follows the pattern set forth in the first chapter. There is a brief overview of the history and various positions on the given topic. Each chapter ends with a useful glossary and discussion questions, which makes this book ideal for small groups or a supplemental text in a class. Readers not familiar with Frame’s work might be surprised by the presuppositional bend of this book. However, one does not need to agree with him on this point in order to benefit from his work.
Due to the brevity of the book, much is left out. But if the reader allows the book to be what it is, instead of what it is not (namely a comprehensive treatment of the history of philosophy), then this book will be thoroughly enjoyed. If more is desired, Frame has certainly provided it in his many other works.
