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The Philosophy of Friendship
In this new accessible philosophy of friendship, Mark Vernon links the resources of the philosophical tradition with numerous illustrations from modern culture to ask what friendship is, how it relates to sex, work, politics and spirituality. Unusually, he argues that Plato and Nietzsche, as much as Aristotle and Aelred, should be put centre stage. Their penetrating and occasionally tough insights are invaluable if friendship is to be a full, not merely sentimental, way of life for today.
188 pages, Hardcover
First published November 29, 2005
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
September 1, 2013
I read this book a while ago. Mark Vernon provides a comprehensive, practical and philosophical overview of the nature and practice of friendship from ancient times through to the present.
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October 2, 2018The title is a fascinating idea. Mostly, Mark Vernon's views are hidden behind quoting famous philosophers.
Mark's book is about passionate friendship. It's a very male orientated book, with women only really coming in at the end. I was unsure about the way he presented homosexuality in men and women, and if it is affirmed.
It could feel quite pessimistic (eg the first chapter on work friendships being about need and commodity) but there was a pervading interesting idea: that of romantic friendship. It seems that some very deep friendships don't fall neatly into a category of sexual or "platonic" (Mark explains that term is often misused). There is an inbetween mode of friendship, not repression of homosexuality, but a wonderful love where actually, Mark says, sex gets in the way. (I'd not endorse the last).
But what I would endorse is that here's a book that says, friendships are wonderful, in all sorts of combinations of gender and age and marital status. They've been experienced by celebrated philosophers - even (and especially) the miserable ones - and they have been experienced throughout time. And to keep making friendship special, keep having the courage to explore them fully, and not let them become characterised by need or diluted by modern media.
Mark's book is about passionate friendship. It's a very male orientated book, with women only really coming in at the end. I was unsure about the way he presented homosexuality in men and women, and if it is affirmed.
It could feel quite pessimistic (eg the first chapter on work friendships being about need and commodity) but there was a pervading interesting idea: that of romantic friendship. It seems that some very deep friendships don't fall neatly into a category of sexual or "platonic" (Mark explains that term is often misused). There is an inbetween mode of friendship, not repression of homosexuality, but a wonderful love where actually, Mark says, sex gets in the way. (I'd not endorse the last).
But what I would endorse is that here's a book that says, friendships are wonderful, in all sorts of combinations of gender and age and marital status. They've been experienced by celebrated philosophers - even (and especially) the miserable ones - and they have been experienced throughout time. And to keep making friendship special, keep having the courage to explore them fully, and not let them become characterised by need or diluted by modern media.
August 1, 2011
Very nicely structured book.
Extremely informative first few chapters for a common man like me who has seen my far share of utilitarian friendships but never really understood why.
Last few chapters got into the spirituality/philosophy of friendship that was a tad too heavy for my liking. But once I got through that, it was a pretty rewarding experience.
For those who don't like the circularity of Philosophy but nonetheless like the explore or understand certain worldly issues that concern us, this is a very good launchpad into further readings with regards to how the Ancient European world viewed friendships & how friendships has evolved over the time & space continium.
Extremely informative first few chapters for a common man like me who has seen my far share of utilitarian friendships but never really understood why.
Last few chapters got into the spirituality/philosophy of friendship that was a tad too heavy for my liking. But once I got through that, it was a pretty rewarding experience.
For those who don't like the circularity of Philosophy but nonetheless like the explore or understand certain worldly issues that concern us, this is a very good launchpad into further readings with regards to how the Ancient European world viewed friendships & how friendships has evolved over the time & space continium.
December 23, 2023
Through no fault of its own, the book unfortunately reminded me that I’m not a big fan of philosophy because of its tendency to be verbose, circular, and detached from reality. I struggled to get through the first two chapters, which were on topics that I wasn’t interested in, but the remainder of the book was worth sticking around for. Overall, it turned out to be interesting and illuminating.
November 28, 2013
Now available as the Meaning of Friendship. Was glad this was chosen for my small group. It was very interesting, both for history and contemplation about what it means to be and have a friend. Great book to read as a group.
January 8, 2016
There is definite value in here but possibly more high level analysis than relatable thoughts and ideas. It's less pop-philosophy and more "here's my thesis, professor". I'd recommend it to those who are wanting to learn more about the subject, but don't expect a page turner.
January 7, 2012
Great readable guide to the history of the philosophy of friendship and how philosophers talk about friendship. Highly recommended for P4C practitioners.
April 13, 2013
Could have done with a thorough edit. But some really thought provoking stuff here.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews