Existentialism: A Guide for the Perplexed (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9780826485304)

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

Author: Steven Earnshaw
ISBN-10: 0826485308
ISBN-13: 9780826485304
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Language: English
Published: 01/07/2007
Pages: 208
Format: Paperback
Weight: 0.55lbs
Size: 8.30h x 5.40w x 0.60d

Review Citation(s):
Reference and Research Bk News 05/01/2007 pg. 3