The Philosophers' Gift: Reexamining Reciprocity

For philosophers, the gift fascinates because it demands disinterested generosity. Yet anthropology offers another view. Reciprocity, rather than disinterestedness, Hénaff shows, is central to ceremonial giving, alliance, and the social bond. From actual gift practices, Hénaff develops an original and profound theory of symbolism, the social, and the relationship between self and other.

Shows how philosophy, with its devotion to disinterestedness, has found itself unable to embrace the numerous social systems that are dependent on reciprocity.