- Paperback: 352 pages
- Publisher: W. W. Norton & Co.; Reprint edition (8 Feb 2008)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0393330672
- ISBN-13: 978-0393330670
- Product Dimensions: 13.9 x 2 x 20.9 cm
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 588,164 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
Socrates in Love: Philosophy for a Passionate Heart
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More About the Author
Product Description
Product Description
Christopher Phillips goes to the heart of philosophy and Socratic discourse to discover what we're all looking for: the kind of love that makes life worthwhile. That is, love not defined only as eros or erotic love but in all its classical varieties - each is clarified and invigorated in Phillips' Socratic dialogues with people from all walks of life and from all over the world.
About the Author
CHRISTOPHER PHILLIPS, founder of the Society for Philosophical Inquiry (www.philosopher.org), travels the world talking about philosophy.
Inside This Book
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5 reviews
25 of 25 people found the following review helpful
We need to TALK...about LOVE!
8 Feb 2007
Format:Hardcover
"Philosophy" means LOVE of Wisdom -- a form of love which this author exemplifies in his world-wide work to spark and nurture Socratic conversations. This book vividly portrays such conversations which range widely and go deep -- deep into an emotion which is referred to promiscuously, but rarely understood. By anchoring the book in these conversations which any of us can imagine participating in, Phillips brings his subject alive in an amazing way. There is a notable literature on Love (Fromm's Art of Loving, Tennov's Love and Limerance), but no previous one that is as involving as this one. Just a wonderful read by a person you would love to know, and do, through this remarkable book.
20 of 20 people found the following review helpful
Another Phillips Philosophical Gem
20 Feb 2007
Format:Hardcover
In "Socrates In Love," Phillips has stayed true to his previous books and his mission--making philosophy approachable, relevant, and action-oriented. If you liked his other books or like that approach to philosophy, you'll like "Socrates in Love." I think this approach is under-developed in today's culture and it's refreshing to see it done here in an universally relevant area: love.
Like any good philosopher, Phillips tries not to convince us of a specific point of view, but to enlighten us and allow us to explore this for ourselves. He draws from an amazingly rich array of sources, employing research and theory from disciplines such as anthropology, sociology, psychology, religion, history, science, art, and of course, philosophy.
As per his other books, Phillips interviews a wide array of "lay people" amidst his more academic research. He does a tremendous job of connecting these conversations with our beloved "first theorist of love" Socrates and with other known philosophers and theories surrounding the different types of love. He provides incredible breadth in his investigations, extending his exploration to numerous varied locations throughout the world, people of all ages and religions, varying socio-economic classes, and a motley array of professions (or lack thereof).
Of course, some of this investigation results in more questions than answers (a virtue, I believe). Is love universal? Cross-cultural? What does it mean to love "unconditionally"? What affect do taboos have on our love/sex lives? How does love change us? Is love reducible to something logical or biological? Can love be rational in the first place (and if not, is it then irrational? And if irrational, then what?)
The greatest advantage of this book is that it provides the reader with both an accessible though thorough academic approach to the topic of love (and to sex...) and a catalyst for personal growth in this area as well. (And all without being preachy or "self-helpy").
Like any good philosopher, Phillips tries not to convince us of a specific point of view, but to enlighten us and allow us to explore this for ourselves. He draws from an amazingly rich array of sources, employing research and theory from disciplines such as anthropology, sociology, psychology, religion, history, science, art, and of course, philosophy.
As per his other books, Phillips interviews a wide array of "lay people" amidst his more academic research. He does a tremendous job of connecting these conversations with our beloved "first theorist of love" Socrates and with other known philosophers and theories surrounding the different types of love. He provides incredible breadth in his investigations, extending his exploration to numerous varied locations throughout the world, people of all ages and religions, varying socio-economic classes, and a motley array of professions (or lack thereof).
Of course, some of this investigation results in more questions than answers (a virtue, I believe). Is love universal? Cross-cultural? What does it mean to love "unconditionally"? What affect do taboos have on our love/sex lives? How does love change us? Is love reducible to something logical or biological? Can love be rational in the first place (and if not, is it then irrational? And if irrational, then what?)
The greatest advantage of this book is that it provides the reader with both an accessible though thorough academic approach to the topic of love (and to sex...) and a catalyst for personal growth in this area as well. (And all without being preachy or "self-helpy").
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Chicken soup for what ails humanity.
22 Dec 2008
Format:Paperback
Wonderful. Informative. Reassuring. Inspiring. Chicken soup for what ails humanity. The answer is simple. Arete. Ubuntu. Compassion and the courage to express it fully. Put love at the center of life. The price to live so is high. To wit Socrates,Jesus... Not to live so, we suffer more. Here is the core of what we should be teaching our children, as we clarify our own awareness and renew our own commitment.
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