LoveKnowledge: The Life of Philosophy from Socrates to Derrida

Taking a cue from the usual translation of philosophy (“love of knowledge”) Brand, a professor of philosophy at Sarah Lawrence College, constructs an intensely personal and engrossing book that tackles several major philosophical texts, weaving connections and seeking to discover anew why philosophy, its questions, and its interplay of desire and knowledge are relevant to this day. He begins with Socrates—via Plato—and moves through Spinoza, Rousseau, and Nietzsche to the present with Foucault and Derrida. Brand anchors each chapter with a brief biographical sketch before approaching a key late text, often finding links between philosophies. His authorial voice captivates, and though arcane terms inevitably spring up, the dedicated reader is amply rewarded. Ideally, the book “trusts the impressions of the reader and her ability to navigate a philosophical landscape without an outline or map but with a sense of orientation and know-how.” Thus, Brand doesn’t always provide answers—and admits he won’t—but he offers food for thought, so when he describes Rousseau’s philosophy as “an exercise in the art of living,” he could easily be talking about his own work. Though experts may have their own views on Brand’s “idiosyncratic” interpretations, those newer to this discipline will have much to take away—about love, learning, and leading the fullest life possible—from this slim but full volume. (Nov.)