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.
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.
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.