Kierkegaard: A Very Short Introduction

by Patrick Gardiner

Overview

Scholars have largely misunderstood Soren Kierkegaard, remembering him chiefly in connection with the development of existentialist philosophy in this century. In a short and unhappy life, he wrote many books and articles on literary, satirical, religious and psychological themes, but the diversity and idiosyncratic style of his writing have contributed to a misunderstanding of his ideas. In this book—the only introduction to the full range of Kierkegaard's thought—Patrick Gardiner demonstrates how Kierkegaard developed his ideas and examines his thoughts in light of the doctrines on society developed by his contemporaries Marx and Feuerbach. Finally, he assesses the profound importance of Kierkegaard's ideas on the development of modern ways of thinking.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780192802569
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	05/16/2002
Series:	Very Short Introductions , #58
Pages:	144
Product dimensions:	7.02(w) x 4.54(h) x 0.40(d)
Lexile:	1500L (what's this?)

About the Author

Patrick Gardiner was formerly an Emeritus Professor of Magdalen College, Oxford

Table of Contents

1. Life and character2. Philosophical background3. The immorality of an age4. Modes of existence5. Truth and subjectivity6. Freedom and the self7. Conclusion

Editorial Reviews

Review from previous edition: "Patrick Gardiner's beautifully written Kierkegaard makes him come alive both as a thinker and as a human being."—Independent

"Marvellously lucid and readable book."—E. Pivcevic, University of Bristol

From the Publisher