Rethinking Existentialism

Description

Jonathan Webber presents an original interpretation of existentialism as the ethical theory that human freedom is the foundation of all other values. He analyses classic works by Sartre, Beauvoir, and Fanon, in critical contrast with others by Camus, Freud, and Merleau-Ponty and discusses key topics such as character, gender, and race.

• Analyses both literary and theoretical works regarding existentialism
• Engaging and non-technical style is accessible to non-specialist readers
• Includes chapters on highly discussed topics such as gender and race

About the Author(s)

Jonathan Webber, Professor of Philosophy, Cardiff University

Jonathan Webber is Professor of Philosophy at Cardiff University. He has published papers on moral philosophy and philosophy of psychology in leading academic journals including Analysis, European Journal of Philosophy, Journal of Moral Philosophy, Mind, and Philosophical Quarterly. He is the author of the monograph The Existentialism of Jean-Paul Sartre, editor of the collection of essays Reading Sartre: on Phenomenology and Existentialism, co-editor of From Personality to Virtue: Essays in the Philosophy of Character, and translator of Sartre's book The Imaginary.

Table of Contents

1:What Is Existentialism?
2:Why Meursault is an Outsider
3:Freedom and the Origins of Reasons
4:Why Xaviere is a Threat to Francoise
5:Psychoanalysis and the Existentialist Mind
6:Why Inez is not in Hell
7:Sedimentation and the Origins of Cultural Values
8:Black Skin, White Masks
9:From Absurdity to Authenticity
10:The Imperative of Authenticity
11:The Future of Existentialism

Reviews

"Rethinking Existentialism is a substantial and valuable attempt to re-evaluate the core ideas of this important philosophical movement" - Juliana De Albuquerque, Times Literary Supplement

"This excellent study engages with the heart of existentialism, challenging established views and interpretations. Essential reading for all researchers and students of existentialism, its clarity of argument will encourage debate." - John Gillespie, French Studies

"Rethinking Existentialism is not only essential reading for anyone interested in existentialism, but the only book one needs." - Kyle Shuttleworth, Sartre Studies International

"There is a great deal of really excellent analysis in this book - of Sartre, of Beauvoir, of Fanon, and of The Outsider, She Came to Stay and No Exit - with which scholars will want to engage seriously." - Katherine J. Morris, Mind

"Clear and readable, this book is advanced but will still be inviting to nonspecialists. A valuable resource in the classroom and in research. Summing up: Highly recommended" - CHOICE