Abstract

Creating conditions that facilitate sociality and friendship is an important way to address loneliness. But it is not sufficient in itself, as shown by philosopher Anca Gheaus in a recent article. After highlighting the need for alternative ways to address chronic loneliness, Gheaus offers a promising approach: “[c]reating favourable conditions for the appreciation of solitude [:::]” (Gheaus, 2022, p. 242). In this article, I first expand Gheaus’ account by articulating different dimensions of solitude experiences. Second, I show how cultivation of philosophic contemplation could enhance one’s ability to appreciate solitude.