Assholes: A Theory
Assholes: A Theory is a 2012 non-fiction book by Aaron James. An associate professor of philosophy at the University of California, Irvine, James attempts a precise academic definition of the term.[1] According to James, an asshole "allows himself to enjoy special advantages in social relations out of an entrenched sense of entitlement that immunizes him against the complaints of other people."[2] As Martin Patriquin wrote in Maclean's, the author "spends 214 quite convincing pages arguing that “assholeness” is less inattention than a permanent state of mind [...]"[3] "Seekers of philosophical meaning will find much to ponder with James", concludes Alex Balk in Slate.[4]
Author | Aaron James |
---|---|
Language | English |
Subject | philosophy |
Published | 2012 (Doubleday) |
Media type | Print (hardcover) / Digital (Kindle eBook) |
Pages | 221 |
ISBN | 978-0-385-53565-6 |
Website | onassholes |
The book inspired a 2019 documentary film of the same name, by director John Walker.[5]
See also
References
- Keohane, Joe (November 25, 2012). "Who's the A-hole? Field-testing a thesis". New York.
- "Nonfiction Book Review: Assholes: A Theory by Aaron James". Publishers Weekly. July 23, 2012.
- Patriquin, Martin (November 23, 2012). "Review: Assholes: A Theory". Maclean's.
- Balk, Alex (October 5, 2012). "The A-hole in the Mirror. On being that guy". Slate.
- Norman Wilner, "Review: Assholes: A Theory will make you think about the jerks in your life". Now, November 27, 2019.