Existentialism For Dummies

Explore key existential themes and writings Your friendly guide to finding meaning in a meaningless world Is God "dead"? If we are alone, how should we act? These are key questions posed by existentialism. This unintimidating guide clearly explains the concepts of this philosophical movement in plain English. You′ll meet the thinkers who helped it evolve — Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, Sartre, Camus — and see how existentialist ideas have influenced everything from film and literature to world events. Discover: The birth of existentialism What "God is dead" means Why it′s crucial to live authentically An existentialist critique of culture today The movement′s impact on philosophy and psychology

Introduction. Part I: Introducing Existentialism. Chapter 1: What Is Existentialism? Chapter 2: The Big Names of Existentialism. Part II: The Fundamental Problem: God Is Dead. Chapter 3: If God Is Dead, Is Life Meaningless? Chapter 4: Anxiety, Dread, and Angst in an Empty World. Part III: Living a Meaningful Life in a Meaningless World. Chapter 5: The Challenge of Absurdity and Authenticity. Chapter 6: Understanding Our Unique Way of Existing in the World. Chapter 7: Not Tonight, Honey: Why We Need More Passion in Our Lives. Chapter 8: Sar tre’s Existentialism: Learning to Cope with Freedom. Chapter 9: Finding Authenticity: Facing Death, Conscience, and Time. Chapter 10: Kierkegaard: The Task of Being a Religious Existentialist. Chapter 11: Niet zsche: Mastering the Art of Individuality. Part IV: The Enduring Impact of Existentialism. Chapter 12: Fear and Loathing in Existential Politics. Chapter 13: Existentialism and Other Schools of Philosophical Thought. Chapter 14: Doing Psychology the Existential Way. Part V: Part of Tens. Chapter 15: Ten Great Existential Movies. Chapter 16: Ten Great Works of Existential Literature. Index.

Christopher Panza, PhD, teaches courses on existentialism, ethics, and freewill and has published articles on teaching philosophy. Gregory Gale is an adjunct professor of philosophy.