Existentialism: The Basics

Existentialism: The Basics is an engaging introduction to one of the most influential philosophical movements of the twentieth century. This lively and lucid book details the existentialist vision of human being and the existentialist demand to respect human freedom. Written by a leading expert in the field, this book examines the key themes of existentialism:Our existence as bodies in a material worldThe role of projects in shaping our experienceOur freedom to change even our deepest projectsThe basis of all value in human freedomSeriousness and bad faith as evasions of freedomThe mythologies and conflicts that shape our livesLiterary writing as an essential philosophical mediumJonathan Webber explores these themes in the work of Sartre, Beauvoir, and Fanon through comparison with the rather different existential thinkers Buber, Kafka, Kierkegaard, Heidegger, Camus, Frankl, and Marcel, and analyses the influences of the Stoics, Descartes, Kant, Nietzsche, Bergson, Husserl, Freud, Jung, and the Négritude movement on the development of existentialism. With suggestions for primary and further reading throughout, this book offers a comprehensive grounding in existentialist philosophy and empowers readers to develop their own ideas in response.