About the book
An eminent philosopher reflects on the nature of friendship, past and present
Friends are a constant feature of our lives, yet friendship itself is difficult to define. Even Michel de Montaigne, author of the seminal essay \"Of Friendship,\" found it nearly impossible to account for the great friendship of his life. Why is something so commonplace and universal so hard to grasp? What is it about the nature of friendship that proves so elusive?
In On Friendship, the acclaimed philosopher Alexander Nehamas launches an original and far-ranging investigation of friendship. Exploring the long history of philosophical thinking on the subject, from Aristotle to Emerson and beyond, and drawing on examples from literature, art, drama, and his own life, Nehamas shows that for centuries, friendship was as much a public relationship as it was a private one-inseparable from politics and commerce, favors and perks. Now that it is more firmly in the private realm, Nehamas holds, close friendship is central to the good life.
Profound and affecting, On Friendship sheds light on why we love our friends-and how they determine who we are, and who we might become.
Editions of On Friendship
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780465082926
- EBook
- ISBN 9780465098613
Read an Excerpt
An eminent philosopher reflects on the nature of friendship, past and present
Friends are a constant feature of our lives, yet friendship itself is difficult to define. Even Michel de Montaigne, author of the seminal essay \"Of Friendship,\" found it nearly impossible to account for the great friendship of his life. Why is something so commonplace and universal so hard to grasp? What is it about the nature of friendship that proves so elusive?
In On Friendship, the acclaimed philosopher Alexander Nehamas launches an original and far-ranging investigation of friendship. Exploring the long history of philosophical thinking on the subject, from Aristotle to Emerson and beyond, and drawing on examples from literature, art, drama, and his own life, Nehamas shows that for centuries, friendship was as much a public relationship as it was a private one-inseparable from politics and commerce, favors and perks. Now that it is more firmly in the private realm, Nehamas holds, close friendship is central to the good life.
Profound and affecting, On Friendship sheds light on why we love our friends-and how they determine who we are, and who we might become.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is On Friendship about?
An eminent philosopher reflects on the nature of friendship, past and present
Friends are a constant feature of our lives, yet friendship itself is difficult to define. Even Michel de Montaigne, author of the seminal essay \"Of Friendship,\" found it nearly impossible to account for the great friendship of his life. Why is something so commonplace and universal so hard to grasp? What is it about the nature of friendship that proves so elusive?
In On Friendship, the acclaimed philosopher Alexander Nehamas launches an original and far-ranging investigation of friendship. Exploring the long history of philosophical thinking on the subject, from Aristotle to Emerson and beyond, and drawing on examples from literature, art, drama, and his own life, Nehamas shows that for centuries, friendship was as much a public relationship as it was a private one-inseparable from politics and commerce, favors and perks. Now that it is more firmly in the private realm, Nehamas holds, close friendship is central to the good life.
Profound and affecting, On Friendship sheds light on why we love our friends-and how they determine who we are, and who we might become.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in On Friendship?
Philosophy and Religion > Philosophy > Topics in philosophy > Social and political philosophy
Where can I read a sample of On Friendship?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780465082926
Who is/are the Author/s of the book On Friendship?
Alexander Nehamas
Who is the Publisher of the book On Friendship?
Basic Books
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
On Friendship is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780465082926) and ebook(ISBN 9780465098613)
Where can I buy On Friendship online or support local independent bookshops?
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Where can I buy On Friendship?