The Reality of Others

Reviews / Votes

In this book, Cox gives a thoroughly coherent and often entertaining interpretation and analysis of Sartre's philosophy of human relations and, although he makes little reference to psychotherapy as such, the implications are clear. * Existential Analysis: Journal of The Society for Existential Analysis * In this rich, penetrating, wide-ranging and very accessible study, Gary Cox starts from the famous line in Sartre's In Camera, "Hell is other people", discussing ideas from Being and Nothingness, "sexistentialism", and drawing on Plato, Shakespeare, Jane Austen, social media and much, much more. A remarkable and very rewarding book. -- Nicholas Dent, Emeritus Professor of Philosophy, University of Birmingham This brilliant book unpacks one of the most famous phrases of Western philosophy. Delving into the depths of how other people are hellish and heavenly, Cox masterfully reveals the complexities of Sartre's existential thinking about relationships, in a language that is highly accessible, intellectual, and excellent fun to read. -- Skye Cleary, Columbia University Gary Cox is a master of the craft of explaining complex ideas in an engaging, accessible and entertaining manner. In this book, he brings the philosophical issues surrounding one of Jean-Paul Sartre's most infamous statements vividly to life. -- Alex Miller, professor of philosophy, University of Otago, New Zealand