If Aristotle’s Kid Had an iPod: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Parents

Gallagher, v-p of Saint Benedict Press and executive producer of Catholic Courses, a series of educational pro-grams on audio and video, also teaches philosophy. His book is an attempt to expand his audience and mission: to teach Aristotle to his readers and, more particularly, apply Aristotelian wisdom to parenting. Aristotle had a good deal to say about virtue and moral development, and Gallagher rightly structures his book around key topics the philosopher addressed extensively: virtue, friendship, and happiness. Gallagher works hard to translate the ancient philosopher’s wisdom into contemporary idiom—at times too hard. Pop culture references form a steady rat-tat-tat in his exposition: Cesar Millan, Darth Vader, Frodo, The X Factor, Jerry Maguire. Some of those references seem a little dated—self-improvement guru Tony Robbins?—which is always a risk when drawing on transient popular culture. The result is at times gratingly breezy. Still, a little Aristotle never hurts. (Sept. 5)