Existentialism For Dummies^®

by Christopher Panza; Gregory Gale

• ISBN13: 9780470436899
• ISBN10: 0470436891
• Format: eBook
• Copyright: 2009-03-01
• Publisher: For Dummies

Summary

Have you ever wondered what the phrase "God is dead" means? You'll find out in Existentialism For Dummies, a handy guide to Nietzsche, Sartre, and Kierkegaard's favorite philosophy. See how existentialist ideas have influenced everything from film and literature to world events and discover whether or not existentialism is still relevant today.You'll find an introduction to existentialism and understand how it fits into the history of philosophy. This insightful guide will expose you to existentialism's ideas about the absurdity of life and the ways that existentialism guides politics, solidarity, and respect for others. There's even a section on religious existentialism. You'll be able to reviewkey existential themes and writings. Find out how to: Trace the influence of existentialism Distinguish each philosopher's specific ideas Explain what it means to say that "God is dead" See culture through an existentialist lens Understand the existentialist notion of time, finitude, and death Navigate the absurdity of life Master the art of individualityComplete with lists of the ten greatest existential films, ten great existential aphorisms, and ten common misconceptions about existentialism, Existentialism For Dummies is your one-stop guide to a very influential school of thought.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Introducing Existentialism

What Is Existentialism?

The Big Names of Existentialism

The Fundamental Problem: God Is Dead

If God Is Dead, Is Life Meaningless?

Anxiety, Dread, and Angst in an Empty World

Living a Meaningful Life in a Meaningless World

The Challenge of Absurdity and Authenticity

Understanding Our Unique Way of Existing in the World

Not Tonight, Honey: Why We Need More Passion in Our Lives

Sar tre's Existentialism: Learning to Cope with Freedom

Finding Authenticity: Facing Death, Conscience, and Time

Kierkegaard: The Task of Being a Religious Existentialist

Niet zsche: Mastering the Art of Individuality

The Enduring Impact of Existentialism

Fear and Loathing in Existential Politics

Existentialism and Other Schools of Philosophical Thought

Doing Psychology the Existential Way

Part of Tens

Ten Great Existential Movies

Ten Great Works of Existential Literature

Index

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