Kieran Bonner’s book, Euphoria and Symposia: The Dialectic of Desire in Thinking, Drinking, and Well-Being, delves into the complex relationship between drinking and intellectual reflection, exploring how inebriation can lead to moments of transcendence and unity. Bonner, an Irish-Canadian sociologist, argues against the stigma of intoxication that has permeated modern perspectives, drawing on historical and philosophical insights.
The author references William James, who distinguished the dry rationalism of sobriety from the euphoric expansiveness of intoxication. James posited that intoxication heightens one’s "Yes" function—where sober contemplation restricts possibilities, drunkenness opens them. Through this lens, Bonner addresses the often-dismissed concept of euphoria, suggesting that finding joy in drinking is not merely about recklessness but about understanding desire and well-being.
One significant focus of Bonner’s work is the issue of alcoholism and the cultural narratives surrounding it. He examines traditional perspectives on virtue and pleasure, questioning whether moderation or complete abstinence is the more virtuous path. Drawing from classical philosophy, particularly the contrasting views between the Spartans and Athenians on intoxication, Bonner concludes that education on managing alcohol consumption, rather than outright prohibition, is essential.
Drinking, as Bonner suggests, operates as a bridge between contrasting human experiences—joy and sadness. He emphasizes that different life stages require distinct approaches to intoxication. For example, while younger individuals often lack the maturity to handle the effects of alcohol, older adults could benefit from embracing disorder to counterbalance excessive rationality.
Bonner critiques the modern temperance movement for shifting the focus from moderation to complete sobriety. He traces the historical development of temperance societies, revealing that initial temperance debates often included alcohol consumption. This shift from moderation to abstinence reflects broader social movements aiming for a utopia devoid of human foibles.
In discussing Plato’s Symposium, Bonner captures the tension among participants who wrestle with their desire for love and the effects of drinking. The arrival of Alcibiades—intoxicated and praising Socrates—illustrates the complexities of desire and the pursuit of wisdom, underscoring that desire itself is an unending journey rather than a destination.
Ultimately, Bonner encourages a re-evaluation of drinking within societal contexts, arguing that communities play a significant role in shaping attitudes toward alcohol. His nuanced arguments provide a thoughtful discourse that bridges philosophy, sociology, and cultural studies, presenting valuable insights into how we consider drinking in relation to human experience.
For those interested in further exploration of these themes, Bonner’s work presents a critical examination of the philosophical and practical implications of intoxication and its impact on well-being.
Euphoria and Symposia: The Dialectic of Desire in Thinking, Drinking, and Well-Being
Kieran Bonner
Published by McGill-Queens University Press; 348 pages; $29.95 / £23.99