Assholes: A Theory

Assholes: A Theory is a non-fiction book written by Aaron James in 2012. Aaron James received a doctorate from Harvard associate professor of philosophy at the University of California, Irvine, and he attempts a precise academic definition of the term. James is also the author of another book, referred to as Fairness in Practice: A Social Contract for a Global Economy.

Assholes: A Theory establishes the philosophical understanding of the subject. For example, according to James, an asshole "allows himself to enjoy special advantages in social relations out of an entrenched sense of entitlement that immunizes him against the complaints of other people." As Martin Patriquin wrote in Maclean's, the author "spends 214 quite convincing pages arguing that “assholeness” is less inattention than a permanent state of mind [...]" "Seekers of philosophical meaning will find much to ponder with James", concludes Alex Balk in Slate. Not only does James discuss the literal definition of what Assholes are in this world, is also looks back into history, giving prime examples of individuals who portrayed such characteristics. His book is described as being "divided into two main parts: first, a set of descriptions and definitions and, then, a recommendation about what how to manage relations with such offensive individuals."

The book inspired a 2019 documentary film of the same name, by director John Walker.