Any book that claims in it's first chapter that philosophy is dead is in my opinion engaging in philosophy by asking big questions. Any book that references Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy also in it's first chapter, in my opinion is worth a read! That the book claims then to have proven that there is no place for God in the creation of the universe seems to make this book essential reading material for all philosophy students.
"...philosophy is dead. Philosophy has not kept up with modern developments in science, particularly physics. Scientists have become the bearers of the torch of discovery in our quest for knowledge.... (it) leads us to a new picture of the universe and our place in it that is different from the traditional one."
The Grand Design p5
Follow the link below to read further comment on this book:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2010/sep/12/the-grand-design-stephen-hawking
