Only a Promise of Happiness
- 200 pages
- 7 hours of reading
Alexander Nehamas is a philosopher whose work delves into aesthetics, exploring the deep connections between literature, philosophy, and the very nature of existence. He famously posited that life itself can be understood through the model of a literary text, suggesting that the virtues of a well-lived life mirror those of excellent writing—style, coherence, and grace. Nehamas champions the idea that philosophy should offer a tangible 'form of life,' and he also finds artistic merit in contemporary mediums like television. His writings invite readers to reconsider the interplay between art, life, and intellectual inquiry.






Focusing on the philosophical concerns of Plato, the collection explores the distinction between authenticity and imitation in metaphysics, ethics, and aesthetics. Nehamas combines analytical rigor with an appreciation for the literary and dramatic elements of Plato's writings. This compilation showcases his significant contributions to the study of Plato and Socrates, providing readers with a thorough introduction to their philosophical ideas and the enduring relevance of their work.
For much of its history, philosophy was not merely a theoretical discipline but a way of life, an 'art of living'. This title provides an incisive reevaluation of Socrates' place in the Western philosophical tradition and shows the importance of Socrates for Montaigne, Nietzsche, and Foucault. schovat popis
Argues that Nietzsche tried to create a specific literary character in his writings and discusses the paradoxes of his work.
Offers a philosophical account of the phenomenon of friendship, looking at its value in living a good life, some of the potential pitfalls and moral difficulties associated with it, and how our friends profoundly affect who we are.
This new edition of Nietzsche's discussion of the nature of art, science, and religion, expounds on the origins of Greek tragedy and its relevance to the German culture of its time. The book's argument raises important questions about the problematic nature of cultural origins, which are still valid today.
En "Nietzsche, la vida como literatura", Alexander Nehamas ofrece una interpretación provocadora del pensamiento de Nietzsche, viéndolo como un esfuerzo titánico por crear un universo literario. Esta obra se ha convertido en un clásico y presenta a Nehamas como uno de los filósofos norteamericanos más destacados.