Philosophy 4: A Story of Harvard University

"Philosophy 4: A Story of Harvard University" by Owen Wister is a fictional narrative set in the late 19th century, likely during the early 1880s. This work is a humorous exploration of the lives of college students, particularly focusing on the philosophy course at Harvard University and the challenges faced by the young men as they prepare for their final examinations. The book touches on themes of intellect versus absurdity, highlighting the intersection of youthful exuberance and the often dry and convoluted world of philosophical thought. The story primarily revolves around two sophomores, Bertie and Billy, who are distinctly unprepared for their Philosophy 4 final. In a bid to cram for their exams, they hire a fellow sophomore, Oscar, to tutor them. As the narrative unfolds, Bertie and Billy engage in a comical and somewhat chaotic learning process, often challenging Oscar's scholarly interpretations of various philosophers, such as Plato and Berkeley. Their interactions are filled with witty banter that reflects the tension between their carefree attitudes and Oscar's serious demeanor. As they explore the complexities of philosophical concepts through humor and absurdity, the boys ultimately find themselves enjoying the subject matter much more than they anticipated. In a twist of fate, they perform surprisingly well on their exam despite their initial lack of preparation, leaving Oscar bewildered by their success while he himself scores less than them, thereby emphasizing the unpredictability of knowledge and understanding.