Agnes Callard

Agnes Callard is a philosopher and an associate professor at the University of Chicago, known for her work in ancient philosophy and ethics.

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. Open Socrates

    Open Socrates is a 2025 book by American philosopher Agnes Callard.

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  2. 2. Aspiration

    The Agency of Becoming

    This philosophical exploration delves into the transformative process of aspiration, where individuals actively seek to become better versions of themselves by acquiring new values and ideals. It challenges the notion that personal growth is merely a passive experience, instead presenting it as a dynamic journey of self-discovery and intentional change. Through a blend of theoretical insights and practical examples, the work examines how people navigate the complexities of evolving desires and the pursuit of a more meaningful life, ultimately reshaping their identities and moral landscapes.

  3. 3. The Case Against Travel

    And the Ethics of Sightseeing

    A philosophical polemic arguing that leisure travel rarely delivers the self-improvement or cultural understanding it promises. It contends that tourists mostly consume curated spectacles and chase status, mistaking novelty for knowledge, whereas genuine learning requires sustained study, relationships, and commitments unavailable on brief visits. Distinguishing tourism from migration and purpose-driven journeys, it allows a few exceptions—such as visiting loved ones or pilgrimages—while urging readers to reconsider whether the ethical, environmental, and personal costs outweigh the thin returns of going abroad.

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