Finding Oneself in the Other

"For those who never had the good fortune to know Jerry Cohen, these essays supply unparalleled insight into his wider moral and political commitments and cultural sensibilities. And for those of us who did have that good fortune, this volume provides cherished reminders of the singular value of his friendship, of the profound contribution that he made to our understanding of what matters, and of just how damn funny he so often was. The debt owed to Michael Otsuka for his editorial labors continues to grow."--Hillel Steiner, professor emeritus, University of Manchester

"As well as being an amazingly gifted political philosopher, Jerry Cohen had an extraordinary sense of humor and humanity. This wide-ranging volume combines brilliant philosophical analysis with memorable personal reflection on a host of subjects, including poverty in India, Israel today, and even the origins of French bullshit. Finding Oneself in the Other casts unprecedented light on why Cohen was not just widely admired but loved."--Andrew Williams, ICREA and Universitat Pompeu Fabra

"This is an unusually personal collection of philosophical essays, full of perceptive observation and sharp reasoning intermingled with irresistible humor and contagious tenderness. Anyone reading these pages will understand why both Jerry Cohen's philosophy and his radiant personality have meant and will keep meaning so much to so many people."--Philippe Van Parijs, Université de Louvain and Nuffield College, University of Oxford

"These often informal reminisces and reflections display Cohen's fine analytical skill applied to matters of everyday life. The depictions of some famous philosophers and philosophical types had me laughing to the point of tears. Never have philosophy and humor been so wonderfully united. The collection also includes topics of utmost seriousness, treated with Cohen's trademark clarity and novelty."--John Roemer, Yale University

"These essays show the existential urgency that was central to Jerry Cohen's aura, generating instant friendships with total strangers and giving his writing a lifelong intensity."--Marshall Berman, City College of New York