Philosophy--Alain de Boton

Not being a professional philosopher, I have no idea of the standing of Alain de Boton in that field.  However, if one is interested in evaluating his work, one could do worse than to view the six episode Philosophy: A Guide to Happiness, starting here.

Comments

  1. AnonymousFebruary 18, 2010 at 3:01 PM

    Steven - I was a de Botton-sceptic until I went to a talk he gave to publicise his The Pleasures and Sorrows of Work. From that I came away thinking more of the man, perhaps not enough to read one of his books.

    ReplyDelete
  2. StevenFebruary 18, 2010 at 4:41 PM

    Dear Anthony,

    I actually like de Botton's books--I've read three or four with Proust being my favorite. I just don't know how his reputation stands in philosophical circles. Engaging prose, ideas that are interesting--makes for pleasant enough reading (as nonfiction goes).

    shalom,

    Steven

    ReplyDelete
  3. Stephen MitchelmoreFebruary 21, 2010 at 3:34 PM

    "I just don't know how his reputation stands in philosophical circles."

    He doesn't have ANY standing in philosophical circles. He isn't a philosopher.

    ReplyDelete
  4. StevenFebruary 22, 2010 at 8:02 AM

    Dear Mr. Mitchelmore,

    Thank you. I specialize in the written arts and more specifically fiction--hence I like How Proust Can Save Your Live as Philosophy light and litcrit light--just enjoyable reading. Hence my ignorance on matters philosophical.

    shalom,

    Steven

    ReplyDelete
  5. MayFebruary 25, 2010 at 3:47 PM

    The writer in question is a good communicator and has many affectionate readers. Although I find his essays superficial, I recognize his ability to sell books.

    ReplyDelete

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