A Philosopher Looks at Friendship

by Sophie Grace Chappell

What is it to be a friend? What does the role of friend involve, and why? How do the obligations and prerogatives associated with that role follow on from it, and how might they mesh, or clash, with our other duties and privileges? Philosophy often treats friendship as something systematic, serious, and earnest, and much philosophical thought has gone into how 'friendship' can formally be defined. How indeed can friendship be good for us if it doesn't fit into a philosopher's neat, systematising theory of the good? For Sophie Grace Chappell, friendship is neither systematic nor earnest, yet is certainly one of the greatest goods of life. Drawing on well-known examples from popular culture, and examining these alongside recent philosophical, political, social, and theological debates, Chappell demystifies and redefines friendship as a highly untidy and many-sided good, and certainly also as one of the most central goods of human experience.

206 pages, Paperback

Published July 18, 2024

Reviews

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a bit rough to get through the first few chapters because something about the tone seemed so cavalier (which is fine but confusing for the premise?), but it picked up in the latter half, and all made much more sense by the end. Ultimately felt quite worthwhile and endearing! I think I may actually come to reference it quite a bit.