Publication Date: Oct 2025
Pages: 365
 
In Philosophy in the Borders, Michael Bavidge illuminates large philosophical questions through a tapestry of short, accessible essays on experience, expression, and language. Written with insight, clarity, and humour, these writings reveal philosophy not as an abstract discipline, but as something embedded in the texture of everyday life.

New to this expanded second edition is “Wittgenstein’s Child,” an essay in which Bavidge explores language acquisition, upbringing, and the formative nature of human interaction through the thought of one-time schoolteacher Ludwig Wittgenstein. The result is a richer reflection on the margins of language and the origins of meaning.
 
Michael Bavidge was a lecturer in philosophy at Newcastle University. He worked at the Centre for Lifelong Learning and then on the Philosophical Studies Programme at the university. He has written on psychopathy and the law, pain and suffering, and animal minds. He is the president of the Philosophical Society of England (PSE), the charity which sponsors The Philosopher.
 
Note: There is an unfortunate misprint on the spine of the cover of the book: the word ‘Borders’ appears as ‘Boarders’. In the spectrum of current disasters, this misprint figures low, but there is no doubt that it is embarrassing, and we are very sorry about it. We believe that the standard of the philosophical articles, classes and other events that we provide for our members is high and it should include production values. If you wish to correct the error, we would be happy to provide a stick-on label. Simply send a note to thephilosopher123@gmail.com to request one. Please accept our apologies. - The Philosopher