Chris Lauer cut his philosophical teeth on the rigors of German Idealism, especially Hegel and Schelling. He is also well-versed in contemporary Continental thought and has a profound sense of what is still living in German Idealism for contemporary thinking and living. It is with great pleasure that we now receive this dialectical account of intimacy (influenced by Hegel, Schelling, and critical theory, but not limited to them). Displaying impressive erudition, Lauer's new work is both strikingly original and a welcome new development in this venerable tradition.
Jason M. Wirth, Professor of Philosophy, Seattle University, USA
In a work that is both humble and profound, Christopher Lauer's dialectics uncovers intimacy's contradictions. Unraveling naive, romantic and ironic notions alike, Intimacy testifies to the power and meaning of intimacy for human relationships, while ultimately arguing that intimacy cannot live up to its own demands.
Marjolein Oele, Associate Professor of Philosophy, University of San Francisco, USA
This is a masterful work of philosophy. Lauer artfully shows why dialectical thinking is relevant today, and he demonstrates what it looks like with respect to the issue of intimacy. Playful and unassuming, the scholarship is first-rate and wide-ranging in both scope and implications. The writing is fluid and purposeful. A must read for anyone interested in love, loss, community, and the stakes of contemporary philosophy.
Jason Kemp Winfree, Professor of Philosophy, California State University, USA