Existentialism: A Guide for the Perplexed / Edition 1

by Steven Earnshaw

Overview

Existentialism is often studied by students with little or no background in philosophy; either as an introduction to the idea of studying philosophy or as part of a literary course. Although it is often an attractive topic for students interested in thinking about questions of 'self' or 'being', it also requires them to study difficult thinkers and texts. This Guide for the Perplexed begins with the question of 'What is Existentialism?' and then moves on to provide a brief analysis of the key thinkers, writers and texts - both philosophical and literary - central to existentialism. Chapters focus particularly on Kierkegaard, Heidegger, Sartre and Camus but also discuss other philosophers and writers such as Nietzsche, Dostoevsky and Kafka. The second section of the Guide introduces key topics associated with existentialist thought; Self, Consciousness, the question of God and Commitment. Each chapter explains the concepts and debates and provides guidance on reading and analysing the philosophical and literary texts addressed, focusing throughout on clarifying the areas students find most difficult

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780826485304
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	01/07/2007
Series:	Guides for the Perplexed
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	208
Sales rank:	862,394
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.41(d)

About the Author

Steven Earnshaw is a Principal Lecturer and Head of English Studies at Sheffield Hallam University, UK.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction: What is Existentialism? Part I: Thinkers 2. Kierkegaard 3. Nietzsche 4. Heidegger 5. Sartre 6. Camus Part II: Themes 7. Introduction8. Being and Self 9. Phenomenology and Consciousness 10. God and Nothingness11. Freedom, Ethics and Commitment 12. And now...?Further Reading
Bibliography
Index

Editorial Reviews

'...makes an important contribution to filling the absence of student and beginner-oriented literature on existentialism...'
Jack Reynolds, PhD., La Trobe University, USA - for Metapsychology Online Reviews

From the Publisher