Agnes Callard's Open Socrates offers a practical philosophy focused on "aspiring." Callard argues that we should actively strive for values we don't yet hold, embracing the difficult process of becoming the kind of person who embodies them. The book explores this through engaging with figures like Socrates and Plato, emphasizing the importance of self-creation and the pursuit of a life guided by reason and critical thinking. While not providing easy answers, it encourages readers to confront their own limitations and actively work towards a better version of themselves.
In her review of Agnes Callard's Open Socrates: A Design for Life, published in The Guardian on January 16th, 2025, Fiona Macdonald navigates the philosophical terrain laid out by Callard's exploration of self-transformation. Macdonald meticulously unpacks Callard's central thesis: that individuals possess the capacity to actively shape their own desires and values, rather than being passively subjected to them. This process of aspirational self-creation, as articulated by Callard, involves a deliberate and often arduous pursuit of activities and experiences that initially hold little appeal but promise the cultivation of new and richer desires.
The review meticulously elucidates Callard's use of the ancient Greek philosopher Socrates as a paradigm of this transformative journey. Callard argues, and Macdonald explains, that Socrates epitomized the pursuit of self-betterment through challenging conversations and a relentless quest for knowledge, even when it exposed his own ignorance. This embracing of discomfort and the willingness to confront one's own limitations, Macdonald notes, are integral to Callard's framework for personal growth.
Furthermore, Macdonald delves into Callard's insightful distinction between "prospective" and "current" selves. The prospective self represents the individual one aspires to become, driven by a nascent desire for something not yet fully understood or appreciated. Callard posits that engaging with activities associated with this aspirational self, even when they are initially unenjoyable, can gradually cultivate a genuine appreciation and transform the prospective desire into a current one, thereby reshaping the individual's very being.
Macdonald examines Callard's diverse range of examples, from learning to appreciate opera to enduring the challenges of parenthood, to illustrate the practical application of her philosophy. She carefully outlines how Callard uses these seemingly disparate experiences to underscore the universality of the process of aspirational transformation. The review also acknowledges Callard's emphasis on the role of mentorship and guidance in navigating this often challenging process, highlighting the importance of learning from those who have already cultivated the desired values and practices.
In her concluding remarks, Macdonald subtly appraises the potential impact of Callard's work, suggesting that its profound insights into the dynamics of personal transformation offer a compelling framework for a more deliberate and fulfilling approach to life. While acknowledging the inherent complexities of Callard's philosophical arguments, Macdonald presents the review as an invitation to engage with a thought-provoking perspective on the ongoing project of self-creation. She emphasizes the book’s potential to inspire readers to actively cultivate their desires and values, leading to a more meaningful and authentic existence.
Summary of Comments ( 9 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42792718
HN commenters generally express interest in Callard's approach to philosophy as a way of life, rather than just an academic pursuit. Several praise the reviewer's clear explanation of Callard's "aspirational" philosophy. Some discuss their own experiences with transformational learning and self-improvement, echoing Callard's emphasis on actively striving for a better self. A few express skepticism about the practicality or accessibility of her methods, questioning whether her approach is truly novel or simply repackaged ancient wisdom. Others are intrigued by the concept of "proleptic reasons," where present actions are justified by a future, hoped-for self. Overall, the comments reflect a mix of curiosity, cautious optimism, and some doubt regarding the applicability of Callard's philosophical framework.
The Hacker News post titled "Open Socrates by Agnes Callard review – a design for life" has generated a moderate number of comments, primarily focusing on the philosophical concepts presented in the book review and the nature of philosophical inquiry itself.
Several commenters discuss the idea of "aspiring" to a value or belief, a central theme in Callard's work. One commenter elaborates on the difficulty of genuinely aspiring to something, pointing out the internal conflict and uncertainty involved in changing one's values. They contrast this with simply acting "as if" one holds a certain value, suggesting this is a more achievable starting point. Another commenter questions the distinction between aspiration and pretense, suggesting that aspiration may be a form of structured pretense that eventually leads to genuine belief. The discussion delves into the psychological processes involved in changing one's worldview and how this relates to Callard's philosophical arguments.
Another thread of discussion centers around the practical application of philosophy. Some commenters express skepticism about the tangible benefits of philosophical inquiry, questioning whether it genuinely leads to personal transformation or simply provides intellectual entertainment. A counterpoint to this is raised by a commenter who highlights the value of self-reflection and critical thinking, suggesting that philosophy can provide tools for navigating complex life decisions.
The idea of "proleptic reasons," where present actions are justified by future outcomes, is also discussed. One commenter raises concerns about this concept, arguing that it could lead to justifying harmful actions in the present for a potentially positive future. Another commenter pushes back, arguing that proleptic reasons can be valid if they are based on reasonable expectations and not simply wishful thinking.
Finally, some comments address the style and accessibility of Callard's writing. While some find her work engaging and thought-provoking, others criticize her prose as being overly dense and convoluted. This leads to a brief discussion on the challenges of presenting complex philosophical ideas to a wider audience.
While not a highly active discussion, the comments on the Hacker News post provide insightful perspectives on the core themes of Callard's book and the broader implications of her philosophical approach. They represent a mix of interpretations, criticisms, and defenses of her ideas, creating a nuanced and engaging conversation about the nature of philosophy and its role in life.