Classical Theism, Philosophy, and Religion Forum / Pruss and Rasmussen's book on Necessary Existence costs over 47 U$

**Posted by Miguel** 3/12/2018 11:42 pm

The Kindle edition on Amazon. Why is philosophy such an expensive addiction?

This is why we can't have nice things.

**Posted by seigneur** 3/13/2018 12:19 am

But ancient literature is free online. Back to the sources and DIY research.

**Posted by DanielCC** 3/13/2018 5:18 am

Miguel wrote:
The Kindle edition on Amazon. Why is philosophy such an expensive addiction?

This is why we can't have nice things.

Just be thankful it isn’t Springer - they of the £60 paperback and £100+ hardcover.

(Am very much looking forward to Pruss - sadly doubt I will have time for it, or any other substantial philosophical material for that matter, until end of May)

**Posted by UGADawg** 3/13/2018 12:23 pm

Was it finally released? Rasmussen emailed me a few selections from it a while back but it looked like the publication kept getting delayed.

Miguel wrote:
Why is philosophy such an expensive addiction?

Simple answer is beause these types of works sell virtually no copies. Kind of unfortunate but that's just the reality of it. It's usually just academic libraries and the occasional philosophy nerd that buy copies.

Last edited by UGADawg (3/13/2018 12:26 pm)

**Posted by RomanJoe** 3/14/2018 11:44 am

I once had a discussion with a professor who published books. His book prices were always around a hundred dollars. He said part of the reason why the price is set so high is because the content of most academic books aren't geared towards a wide popular audience, but rather colleagues, and the few people who specialize or are interested in the specific topic. So there is a guaranteed niche audience who will be willing to buy the book since it addresses their specific interest. But since it's niche it's not very large, and the author needs to make some money off of it.

**Posted by Greg** 3/14/2018 11:59 am

It's also that, if only libraries are buying a book, presses do not need to worry about keeping prices low. It'll be purchased, if it's purchased, because some librarian in charge of that field decides to put funds toward it, or because some professor or grad student requests it.