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| existentialist ethics: Existentialist Thinkers and Ethics Christine Daigle, 2006 Twentieth-century existential thinkers, critical of traditional, overly rationalistic approaches to ethics, sought to provide a better account of what it means to be human in the world. They articulated ethical views that respected the individual yet were fundamentally concerned with the Other and the ethical value of an authentic life. Their philosophy has often been dismissed as unsuccessful. Through examination of the thought of eight key figures in existentialism - Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, Heidegger, Arendt, Camus, Sartre, Beauvoir, and Merleau-Ponty - this collection demonstrates that such dismissals are unfounded. Contributors tackle the difficulties raised by an existentialist ethics and show how each thinker successfully elaborated an ethics that provides a viable alternative to traditional ethical views. |
| existentialist ethics: Existentialist Ethics Mary Warnock, 1967-06-18 |
| existentialist ethics: Existentialist Ethics William Leon McBride, 1997 This collection of essays and reviews represents the most significant and comprehensive writing on Shakespeare's A Comedy of Errors. Miola's edited work also features a comprehensive critical history, coupled with a full bibliography and photographs of major productions of the play from around the world. In the collection, there are five previously unpublished essays. The topics covered in these new essays are women in the play, the play's debt to contemporary theater, its critical and performance histories in Germany and Japan, the metrical variety of the play, and the distinctly modern perspective on the play as containing dark and disturbing elements. To compliment these new essays, the collection features significant scholarship and commentary on The Comedy of Errors that is published in obscure and difficulty accessible journals, newspapers, and other sources. This collection brings together these essays for the first time. |
| existentialist ethics: An Existentialist Ethics Hazel Estella Barnes, 1971 |
| existentialist ethics: The Bonds of Freedom Kristana Arp, 2001 The Bonds of Freedom is the first full-scale analysis of Beauvoir's existentialist ethics, as laid out in her important work, The Ethics of Ambiguity, written in 1946. Kristana Arp traces the central themes of Beauvoir's ethics back to her earlier philosophical essays and to literary works such as The Blood of Others and All Men Are Mortal. Drawing from the thought of Husserl, Heidegger, Sartre, and Merleau-Ponty, Beauvoir developed her own distinctive version of existentialism throughout these works.--BOOK JACKET |
| existentialist ethics: Existentialist Politics and Political Theory William Leon McBride, 1997 This collection of essays and reviews represents the most significant and comprehensive writing on Shakespeare's A Comedy of Errors. Miola's edited work also features a comprehensive critical history, coupled with a full bibliography and photographs of major productions of the play from around the world. In the collection, there are five previously unpublished essays. The topics covered in these new essays are women in the play, the play's debt to contemporary theater, its critical and performance histories in Germany and Japan, the metrical variety of the play, and the distinctly modern perspective on the play as containing dark and disturbing elements. To compliment these new essays, the collection features significant scholarship and commentary on The Comedy of Errors that is published in obscure and difficulty accessible journals, newspapers, and other sources. This collection brings together these essays for the first time. |
| existentialist ethics: Existentialist Thinkers and Ethics Christine Daigle, 2006 Through examination of the thought of eight key figures in existentialism, this volume tackles the difficulties raised by an existentialist ethics and shows how each thinker successfully elaborated an ethics that provides a viable alternative to traditional ethical views. |
| existentialist ethics: An Existentialist Ethics Hazel Estella Barnes, 1971 |
| existentialist ethics: French Existentialism , 2021-11-15 This book is a critical appraisal of the distinctive modern school of thought known as French existentialism. It philosophically engages the ideas of the major French existentialists, namely, Beauvoir, Merleau-Ponty, Marcel, Camus, and, because of his central role in the movement, especially Sartre, in a fresh attempt to elucidate their contributions to contemporary philosophy. |
| existentialist ethics: The Existential Phenomenology of Simone de Beauvoir Wendy O'Brien, Lester Embree, 2001-08-31 While earlier research considered Simone de Beauvoir in the perspectives of Existentialism or Feminism, this work is the first to emphasize her reflective and descriptive approach and the full range of issues she addresses. There are valuable chapters and sections that are historical and/or comparative, but most of the contents of this work critically examine Beauvoir's views on old age (whereon she is the first phenomenologist to work), biology, gender, ethics, ethnicity (where she is among the first), and politics (again among the first). Besides their systematic as well as historical significance, these chapters show her philosophy as on a par with those of Merleau-Ponty and Jean-Paul Sartre in quality, richness and distinctiveness of problematics, and the penetration of her insight into collective as well as individual human life within the socio-historical world. |
| existentialist ethics: An Existentialist Ethics Hazel Estella Barnes, 1967 |
| existentialist ethics: Existentialism Andrew D. Chapman, 2023-12-06 In a world teeming with surface-level interactions and fleeting digital connections, Existentialism emerges as a beacon for those seeking depth, purpose, and authenticity in their lives. This compelling tome not only demystifies one of philosophy's most profound schools of thought but also reclaims it as a vital force for contemporary reflection and action. Dive into the heart of existentialism with chapters that explore its birth in the upheaval of past centuries and its evolution into a philosophy that resonates with the very core of human existence. From the fundamental existential themes of freedom, responsibility, and authenticity, to its expression in art, relationships, and society—this book offers a comprehensive and accessible journey through existentialist thought. Each page challenges the reader to confront the quintessential existential questions: Who am I? Why am I here? What choices lead to true fulfillment? Existentialism is not just a reflection on human existence; it is a guide for living it with intention. Whether you are a student of philosophy, a seeker of wisdom, or simply a curious mind grappling with the human experience, this book is an essential companion. It promises not only to enlighten but also to inspire action and instill the courage to face life's absurdities with optimism and grace. Encounter existentialism not as a bygone theory but as a vibrant, living dialogue—one that continues to shape and be shaped by the human experience. The journey within these pages is both a mirror and a map: reflecting who we have been, who we are, and who we might become in the uncharted terrain of the modern age. Existentialism invites you to engage with life’s deepest questions and emerge with a renewed passion for the authentic life. Embrace the call to adventure within your own existence and join the existential voyage that begins with this book. |
| existentialist ethics: The A to Z of Existentialism Stephen Michelman, 2010-04-01 The A to Z of Existentialism explains the central claims of existentialist philosophy and the contexts in which it developed into one of the most influential intellectual trends of the 20th century. This is done through a chronology, an introductory essay, a bibliography, and more than 300 cross-referenced dictionary entries offering clear, accessible accounts of the life and thought of major existentialists like Jean-Paul Sartre, Martin Heidegger, Martin Buber, Karl Jaspers, Gabriel Marcel, Simone de Beauvoir, Albert Camus, and Maurice Merleau-Ponty, as well as thinkers influential to its development such as Wilhelm Dilthey, Henri Bergson, Edmund Husserl, and Max Scheler. |
| existentialist ethics: Existentialism, Feminism and Simone de Beauvoir J. Mahon, 2015-12-17 Simone de Beauvoir made her own distinctive contribution to existentialism in the form of an ethics which diverged sharply from that of Jean-Paul Sartre. In her novels and philosophical essays of the 1940s she produced not just a recognizably existentialist ethics, but also a character ethics and an ethics for violence. These concerns, stemming from her own personal philosophical background, give a vital, contemporary resonance to her work. De Beauvoir's feminist classic The Second Sex reflects her earlier philosophical interests, and is considerably strengthened by this influence. This book defends her existentialist feminism against the many reproaches which have been levelled against it over several decades, not least the criticism that it is steeped in Sartrean masculinism. |
| existentialist ethics: Design Ethics beyond Duty and Virtue Philippe d'Anjou, 2017-06-20 Freedom is compelling in design; it has to be acknowledged, accepted, and comprehended in all its existential complexity to better understand and engage the intricate ethical domain of design practice. The book addresses that issue by thoroughly examining design ethics, and design in general, within an existentialist philosophical framework. Its inquiry reveals a puzzling and unsettling reality of design ethics, and hence what constitutes an ethical design practice where there is no exit for designers but complete acceptance of their freedom and responsibility. This book makes a unique, original, and invaluable contribution to the design literature and design ethics scholarship. Scholars, professors, students, and professionals in all design disciplines, as well as any person involved in arts, humanities, philosophy, social sciences, and engineering, will find philosophical insights that will challenge design thinking and inspire them to rethink design ethics as an agency of human existence making instead of code compliance. Making a case for existentialist design ethics, this book lays the ground for a radical transformation of how we conceive design, ethics in design practice, and the role of designers in the world. |
| existentialist ethics: Idealism and Existentialism Jon Stewart, 2010-06-02 The history of Continental philosophy is often conceived as being represented by two major schools: German idealism and phenomenology/existentialism. These two schools are frequently juxtaposed so as to highlight their purported radical differences. There is a commonly held view that an abrupt break occurred in the nineteenth century, resulting in a disdainful rejection of idealism in all its forms. This break is often located in the transition from Hegel to Kierkegaard. The history of philosophy in the first half of the nineteenth century has thus been read as a grand confrontation between the overambitious rationalistic system of Hegel and the devastating criticisms of it by Kierkegaard's philosophy of existence. This work aims to undermine this popular view of the radical break between idealism and existentialism by means of a series of detailed studies in specific episodes of European thought. As a whole, this book represents an important attempt to demonstrate the long shadow cast by Kant and Hegel over the subsequent history of European philosophy. |
| existentialist ethics: Analytic Existentialism , 2024-09-11 Existentialist philosophy has, at times, been exceptionally popular. This is because of its promise of possibility, both in doctrine and in style: Its doctrine promises that we can break free from the shackles of cognitive or social structures we are thrown into, and we can overcome our marred personal or collective history. Its style promises that philosophy can be exciting, moving, exhilarating, and funny. Analytic Existentialism brings together ten essays in which analytic philosophers engage with existentialism. The essays take up central existentialist themes, such as freedom, consciousness, and bad faith. Some bring existentialist ideas to bear on issues in contemporary analytic philosophy; some engage analytically with existentialist concerns; some employ the methods of analytic philosophy to interpret existentialist texts; and some articulate how existentialist insights speak to ongoing matters of concern outside of philosophy. All essays, taken together, make good on the existentialist promise for analytic philosophy: Even as analytic philosophers, we can embrace the thought that freedom is at the heart of our being. And even as analytic philosophers, we can write philosophical texts that capture the imagination. We trust that these essays can rekindle the excitement of philosophical thought. |
| existentialist ethics: EXISTENTIALISM Summarized Devon Kade, 2025-04-29 What does it mean to truly exist? Are we free, or are we trapped by forces beyond our control? If life has no inherent meaning, how do we create our own? EXISTENTIALISM Summarized: A Concise Guide to Freedom, Meaning, and the Absurd in Philosophy, Life, and Society is your essential roadmap to existential philosophy, revealing how radical thinkers like Kierkegaard and Nietzsche, Sartre, Camus, and de Beauvoir confronted the biggest questions about life, freedom, and authenticity. Written for both curious newcomers and seasoned students, this book distills modern existential thought into clear, practical insights—shedding light on the depths of human angst, the lure of nihilism, and the power of authentic living. Through vivid explanations and real-world examples, you’ll witness how ideas like the absurd, moral responsibility, and radical freedom can liberate you from societal constraints and empower you to craft your own destiny. Learn how to identify “bad faith,” break free from stifling norms, and embrace an engaged, purpose-driven perspective—even when faced with meaning and the absurd. Whether you’re grappling with personal dilemmas or seeking clarity in a complex world, these timeless concepts offer fresh, transformative ways to approach life’s challenges. Inside, you’ll explore the personal struggles and triumphs that gave rise to existentialism, from Kierkegaard’s existential leap of faith to Camus’s rebellion against the cosmos. You’ll see how each thinker redefines self-discovery and confronts the ultimate question: In a reality with no inherent blueprint, how do we choose to live? If you’ve ever yearned for a deeper sense of self—beyond social expectations—this concise guide can spark the clarity and resilience you crave. Begin your journey today—embrace existential philosophy and discover the path to authentic living in a universe that refuses easy answers. TABLE OF CONTENTS: Existentialism Jargon What Is Existentialism? Historical Context: Existentialism Before Existentialism Kierkegaard: The Birth of Subjective Truth Nietzsche: The Death of God and the Will to Power Heidegger: Being and Time Sartre: Radical Freedom and Responsibility Camus: The Absurd and the Myth of Sisyphus Simone de Beauvoir: Existentialist Ethics and Feminism Other Existentialist Thinkers Freedom and Responsibility Authenticity and Inauthenticity Anxiety, Angst, and Dread Alienation and the Modern World The Absurd and Meaninglessness Nihilism and Existential Rebellion The Concept of the Other Temporality and Finitude Existential Ethics Faith, Atheism, and the Existentialist God Existentialism and Everyday Life Love, Relationships, and Existentialist Ethics Art, Literature, and Existentialism Existentialism and Politics Existentialism and Psychology Existentialism and Postmodernism Criticisms and Challenges to Existentialism Existentialism in the 21st Century Existentialism and Artificial Intelligence Existentialism and Climate Change Personal Existentialism: How to Live Authentically The Journey Forward: Becoming an Existentialist Thinker |
| existentialist ethics: Encyclopedia of Ethics Lawrence C. Becker, Charlotte B. Becker, 2013-10-18 The editors, working with a team of 325 renowned authorities in the field of ethics, have revised, expanded and updated this classic encyclopedia. Along with the addition of 150 new entries, all of the original articles have been newly peer-reviewed and revised, bibliographies have been updated throughout, and the overall design of the work has been enhanced for easier access to cross-references and other reference features. New entries include * Cheating * Dirty hands * Gay ethics * Holocaust * Journalism * Political correctness * and many more. |
| existentialist ethics: The Routledge International Handbook of Existential Human Science Huon Wardle, Nigel Rapport, Albert Piette, 2023-08-01 This volume is the first handbook to explore existentialism as epistemology and method. Transdisciplinary in scope, it considers the nature of human subjectivity and how human experience ought to be studied, examining the connections that exist between the individual’s imagining of the world and their everyday practice within it. With attention to the question of whether humans are ultimately alone in their self-knowledge or whether what they know of themselves is constructed in common with others, it enables the reader to recognize core questions that frame the methods and orientation of an existential inquiry. In addition to historical exposition, it offers a variety of chapters from around the world that explore the diverse global spaces for, and different types of, existential focus and discussion, thus questioning the view that the existential problem may be singularly a matter for the post-enlightenment West. The fullest and most comprehensive survey to date of what human beings can and should make of themselves, The Routledge International Handbook of Existential Human Science will appeal to scholars across the humanities and social sciences with interests in anthropology, sociology, philosophy, and research methods. |
| existentialist ethics: The Possibility of Universal Moral Judgment in Existential Ethics Joseph Kariuki, 1978 |
| existentialist ethics: Phenomenology and Existentialism in the Twenthieth Century Anna-Teresa Tymieniecka, 2010-06-23 The discussion on the phenomenology of life will continue to be crucial to the general outlook and direction of phenomenological investigations. The imp- tance of it is not only the fact that it is an innovation in the philosophical circle, but it is also an effort that contributes to the re-reading of the hitherto ex- gerated differences between phenomenology and metaphysics. What is new and signi?cant about life is that even though it is evident in the ?ow of the history of philosophy, no philosopher has seriously addressed it. Not many philosophers have said something in particular about life in serious philoso- ical re?ection. The discussion on life by Henri Bergson attests to this and one 3 can hardly point to other deep re?ections elsewhere about the subject. The advantage here about our area is not only that it has extended the horizon of phenomenological thinking, it has also helped to lead phenomenology from the constitutive analysis to a creative impetus that has brought a new point of view to the ?eld, hence raising questions about the general philosophical t- dition from ancient times. This is a reading which my philosophy attempts to investigate about Tymienieckan thought. The emphasis in philosophy till now has been more on reason in its int- lection and pure rational dimension based on the earliest conception of the human person distinguished by rationality. |
| existentialist ethics: Existentialism and Social Work Neil Thompson, 2017-09-29 Existentialism and Social Work provides a clearly-expressed and well-argued exposition of Sartrean existentialism as a theory base for social work practice. It introduces the key concepts and themes of the philosophy and relates them to social welfare theory and practice. Existentialism is a valuable means of making sense of many of the complexities, contradictions and dilemmas which social work staff encounter. The book explores the relationship between theory and practice and examines how existentialism can help to bridge the gap. A number of theoretical perspectives are evaluated from an existentialist perspective and links are drawn between Sartre’s philosophy and aspects of commonly used theories and methods. But this is not simply a theoretical analysis. Neil Thompson also explores the use of existentialism as a guide to day-to-day practice and draws up a set of Principles for Practice . The ultimate aim is to present existentialism as a concrete philosophy of praxis. |
| existentialist ethics: Sartre and the Moral Limits of War and Terrorism Jennifer Ang Mei Sze, 2010-01-31 Based on the latest debate on Jean-Paul Sartre’s works on ethics and politics, this book examines the relevancy and importance Sartre holds for contemporary concerns – the reactionary nature of terrorism, the extremity of counter-violence, and limitations of democratization efforts in our post-9/11 era – all claiming the name of ‘freedom’ and ‘liberation’. It presents a different version of the ‘violent Sartre’, which was presented recently as militant and supportive of terrorism by critics who were concerned with the terrorist nature of his writings. Sartre in this project is reconstructed as a philosopher who, although gave importance to the notion of ‘violence’ in his politics, was actually more concerned with containing violent means within morally excusable limits. He is presented as both a realist who understood the inevitability of ‘dirty hands’ in political struggles and also an absolutist against terrorism; he considered wars that derailed from their purported ends of freedom as morally condemnable. Arguing for the need for moral limitations to all violent struggles, and the need for seeing others as ends-for-themselves, this project outlines an existential response needed to help us reaffirm our moral compass through the invention of existential humanist ethics. |
| existentialist ethics: The Possibility of Universal Moral Judgement in Existential Ethics Joseph Kariuki, 1981 The problem at the core of this ethical study is how Existentialist Ethics comprises the absolute character of obligation and how it is able to join the ethical postulate to the conrete situation without losing the absolute. Kariuki is chiefly interested in Sartre because he presents, in a most logical fashion, a model of Realistic Ethics that excludes all transcendence. At the same time, Kariuki shows the similarity between Sartre and A.I. Melden. |
| existentialist ethics: Existentialism for Everyday Life: Finding Meaning in a Chaotic World Aurora Koskinen , 2024-09-28 In Existentialism for Everyday Life: Finding Meaning in a Chaotic World, Finnish author Aurora Koskinen delivers a thoughtful and accessible guide to existentialist philosophy, designed to help readers navigate the uncertainties of modern life. Blending the core tenets of existentialism with practical, real-world applications, Koskinen crafts a book that is not only intellectually stimulating but also deeply relevant to the everyday challenges we face. At its heart, this book is an exploration of how existentialist thought—developed by philosophers like Søren Kierkegaard, Jean-Paul Sartre, and Simone de Beauvoir—can empower individuals to live more authentically and meaningfully. Koskinen tackles the core themes of existentialism such as freedom, personal responsibility, and authenticity, while highlighting the role of subjective experience and the individual’s search for purpose. Each chapter focuses on a key existentialist figure or concept, distilling complex ideas into clear, relatable prose. - The UK Newspaper |
| existentialist ethics: The Bloomsbury Companion to Existentialism Felicity Joseph, Jack Reynolds, Ashley Woodward, 2014-09-25 The Bloomsbury Companion to Existentialism is the definitive guide to this key area of modern European philosophy. Now available in paperback, the book covers the fundamental questions asked by existentialism, providing valuable guidance for students and researchers to some of the many important and enduring contributions of existentialist thinkers. Chapters from an international team of experts explore existentialism's relationship to philosophical method; ontology; politics; psychoanalysis; ethics; religion; literature; emotion; feminism and sexuality; emotions; authenticity and the self; its significance in Latin American culture; and its contribution to the development of post-structuralism and cognitive science. In addition, five short chapters summarize the status of canonical figures Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, Heidegger, Sartre and de Beauvoir, delineating the historical approach to their work, while pointing to new directions contemporary research is now taking. Featuring a series of indispensable research tools such as an A to Z glossary, a timeline of key events, texts and thinkers in existentialism, a list of resources, and an annotated guide to further reading, this Companion is an essential resource to help the new reader navigate through the heart of Existentialism and modern European philosophy. |
| existentialist ethics: Existentialism Made Easy: Flash Mel Thompson, Nigel Rodgers, 2011-04-29 The books in this bite-sized new series contain no complicated techniques or tricky materials, making them ideal for the busy, the time-pressured or the merely curious. Existentialism Made Easy is a short, simple and to-the-point guide to existentialism. In just 96 pages, the reader will discover all the key ideas, from altruism to utilitarianism. Ideal for the busy, the time-pressured or the merely curious, Existentialism Made Easy is a quick, no-effort way to break into this fascinating topic. |
| existentialist ethics: 30 Essential Concepts in Moral Philosophy in 7 Minutes Each Nietsnie Trebla, 30 Essential Concepts in Moral Philosophy in 7 Minutes Each In a world filled with complex moral dilemmas and diverse ethical beliefs, understanding the foundations of moral philosophy is more crucial than ever. '30 Essential Concepts in Moral Philosophy in 7 Minutes Each' offers a concise and engaging exploration of key ethical theories and perspectives, perfect for both novices and seasoned thinkers alike. Each chapter distills complex ideas into easily digestible segments that can be read in just seven minutes, making this book a valuable resource for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of morality. Overview of Chapters Ethical Relativism: Understanding Morality Across Cultures Utilitarianism: The Greatest Happiness Principle Deontology: Duty and the Moral Law Virtue Ethics: Character and the Good Life Social Contract Theory: The Basis of Political Obligation Kantian Ethics: Categorical Imperatives and Autonomy Consequentialism: Assessing Outcomes in Moral Decision-Making Natural Law Theory: Morality Rooted in Human Nature Eudaimonia: The Role of Flourishing in Ethics Moral Realism vs. Moral Anti-Realism Feminist Ethics: Gender, Power, and Moral Perspectives Care Ethics: The Importance of Relationships and Care Moral Skepticism: Questioning the Foundations of Ethics The Ethics of Care: An Alternative to Traditional Ethics Existentialist Ethics: Freedom and Responsibility Moral Absolutism vs. Moral Relativism Divine Command Theory: Morality Based on Religious Beliefs The Trolley Problem: Dilemmas in Moral Philosophy Rights Theory: The Concept of Human Rights Moral Psychology: Understanding the Human Mind in Ethics Pragmatic Ethics: Ethics through Practical Implications Eco-Centrism: Ethics in Relation to the Environment Bioethics: Moral Issues in Healthcare and Life Sciences Political Utilitarianism: Ethics in Governance Moral Luck: The Role of Chance in Ethical Judgment The Role of Emotions in Moral Decision Making Moral Development: Theories from Childhood to Adulthood Interpersonal Ethics: The Morality of Relationships The Problem of Evil: The Challenge to Moral Philosophy Animal Ethics: Moral Considerations for Non-Human Animals The Relationship Between Law and Morality Whether you have a busy schedule or are simply seeking to enhance your moral reasoning in a fast-paced world, this book serves as a quick guide to significant ethical concepts that have shaped human thought. Join us on a journey through moral philosophy, where profound questions meet practical insights, and give yourself the tools to navigate the complex moral landscape of modern life. |
| existentialist ethics: Existentialism and its relevance to the contemporary system of education in India: Existentialism and present educational scenario Rukhsana Akhter, 2014-05-01 Existentialism represents a protest against the rationalism of traditional philosophy, against misleading notions of the bourgeois culture, and the dehumanizing values of industrial civilization. Since alienation, loneliness and self-estrangement constitute threats to human personality in the modern world, existential thought has viewed as its cardinal concerns a quest for subjective truth, a reaction against the ‘negation of Being’ and a perennial search for freedom. From the ancient Greek philosopher, Socrates, to the twentieth century French philosopher, Jean Paul Sartre, and other thinkers have dealt with this tragic sense of ontological reality - the human situation within a comic context The book put forward is the beginning of an attempt to revive existentialism by addressing these issues. The idea is eventually to present a conception of personhood that is recognizably existentialist, or similar to that presented by writers like Kierkegaard, Heidegger, Jaspers, and Sartre in certain fundamental ways, but that takes into account the last twenty years of developments in the many different areas of philosophy that directly affect our understanding of what it is to be a person. The result will hopefully be a more ‘sophisticated’ existentialist theory of personhood that can be presented in contemporary terms as a serious challenge to current dogmas in metaphysics and moral theory, and be defended against the ascendant naturalistic, rationalistic, or pragmatist alternatives. |
| existentialist ethics: The Existentialists Charles B. Guignon, 2004-10-26 This volume brings together for the first time some of the most helpful and insightful essays on the four most influential and discussed philosophers in the history of existentialism: Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, Heidegger, and Sartre. The contributors write on such topics as Kierkegaard's knight of faith and his diagnosis of the 'present age;' Nietzsche's view of morality and self-creation; Heidegger's accounts of worldhood and authenticity; and Sartre's ontology, ethics, and conception of the cogito. The essays have been selected for their higher level of scholarship and for their ability to illuminate various aspects of their subject's work. The volume is enhanced by the editor's introduction and extensive bibliography to aid further study. |
| existentialist ethics: Existential America George Cotkin, 2003-01-24 As Cotkin shows, not only did Americans readily take to existentialism, but they were already heirs to a rich tradition of thinkers - from Jonathan Edwards and Herman Melville to Emily Dickinson and William James - who had wrestled with the problems of existence and the contingency of the world long before Sartre and his colleagues. After introducing the concept of an American existential tradition, Cotkin examines how formal existentialism first arrived in America in the 1930s through discussion of Kierkegaard and the early vogue among New York intellectuals for the works of Sartre, Beauvoir, and Camus. |
| existentialist ethics: An Introduction to Ethics John Deigh, 2010-03-04 This book examines the central questions of ethics through a study of the great ethical works of Western philosophy. |
| existentialist ethics: Ethical Engineering for International Development and Environmental Sustainability Marion Hersh, 2015-03-20 Ensuring that their work has a positive influence on society is a responsibility and a privilege for engineers, but also a considerable challenge. This book addresses the ways in which engineers meet this challenge, working from the assumption that for a project to be truly ethical both the undertaking itself and its implementation must be ethically sound. The contributors discuss varied topics from an international and interdisciplinary perspective, including l robot ethics; l outer space; l international development; l internet privacy and security; l green branding; l arms conversion; l green employment; and l deliberate misinformation about climate change Important questions are answered, such as l what is meant by engineering ethics and its practical implications; l how decisions made by engineers in their working lives make an impact at the global as well as the local level; and l what ethics-related questions should be asked before making such decisions. Ethical Engineering for International Development and Environmental Sustainability will be a valuable resource for practising and student engineers as well as all who are interested in professional ethics, especially as it relates to engineering. Researchers and policy makers concerned with the effects of engineering decisions on environmental sustainability and international stability will find this book to be of special interest. |
| existentialist ethics: Sartre and Marxist Existentialism Thomas R. Flynn, 1986-10-15 In this important book, Thomas R. Flynn reinterprets and evaluates Sartre's social and political philosophy, arguing that the existential ethics of Sartre's early phase is consistent with the Marxist-inspired views of his later writings. Displaying his mastery of Sartre's entire corpus, Flynn reconstructs Sartre's social ontology with its sensitive balance of the existentialist's respect for moral responsibility and the Marxist's sense of social causation. Flynn focuses on the issue of collective responsibility as a particularly apt test-case for assessing any proposed union of existentialist and Marxist perspectives. The study begins with an examination of the uses of responsibility in Being and Nothingness and in several postwar essays. Flynn then concentrates on the Critique of Dialectical Reason, offering a thorough analysis of the remarkable social theory Sartre constructs there. A masterful contribution to Sartre scholarship, Sartre and Marxist Existentialism will be of great interest to social and political philosophers involved in the debate over collective responsibility. |
| existentialist ethics: Existentialism: A Note on the Philosophical School Pons Malleus, 2025-06-02 Existentialism is not merely a philosophical doctrine but a living, breathing confrontation with what it means to be human. It is a call to face the raw realities of existence—freedom, responsibility, anxiety, alienation, and ultimately, death—without retreating into comforting illusions. This book is born out of that call: to explore, unpack, and wrestle with the core ideas of existentialist thought, not from the distance of academic abstraction, but from within the very questions that define our lives. The existentialist tradition is broad, diverse, and sometimes internally contradictory. It includes thinkers as different in style and emphasis as Søren Kierkegaard, Friedrich Nietzsche, Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, Albert Camus, Martin Heidegger, and Maurice Merleau-Ponty. Some rooted their reflections in theology; others were staunch atheists. Some spoke of absurdity, others of transcendence. But what unites them is a shared concern: the centrality of individual existence in an often indifferent or unknowable universe. Existentialism arose in a modern world disoriented by the collapse of traditional values, the disintegration of religious authority, the trauma of war, and the alienation of industrial society. It gave voice to a generation asking not What should I believe? but How should I live? and Who am I when all the roles and certainties fall away? These are not questions with definitive answers. They are lived questions—answers are provisional, contingent, and must be earned through experience, not received by doctrine. This book does not pretend to provide the final word on existentialism. Instead, it aims to guide readers through its major themes and figures, to offer a map for navigating its often challenging terrain. From Kierkegaard's leap of faith and Nietzsche’s proclamation of the death of God, to Sartre’s radical freedom and Camus’s myth of Sisyphus, we will examine how existentialists have approached the problem of meaning in a world where meaning is not given. Existentialism is sometimes caricatured as dark, nihilistic, or pessimistic. Certainly, it does not flinch from despair. But at its heart, existentialism is profoundly liberating. It tells us that though we are thrown into a world not of our choosing, we are not defined by our circumstances. We are free—and with that freedom comes the burden and the beauty of shaping a life that is authentically our own. In this sense, existentialism is not a philosophy of defeat but one of courage. As you read, you may find that existentialism doesn’t offer comfort—but it does offer clarity. It asks you to look honestly at yourself and your condition, to resist the seductions of evasion and bad faith, and to take responsibility for the shape of your life. That is its enduring power and its enduring challenge. Whether you are encountering these ideas for the first time or returning to them with new eyes, I invite you to read this book not only with the intellect but with the whole of your being. Existentialism is not just something to be studied; it is something to be lived. |
| existentialist ethics: Peace Education James Page, 2008-09-01 Peace education is now well recognized within international legal instruments and within critical educational literature as an important aspect of education. Despite this, little attention has been given in the critical literature to the philosophical foundations for peace education and the rationale for peace education thus remains substantially an assumed one. This investigation explores some possible ethico-philosophical foundations for peace education, through an examination of five specific ethical traditions: 1) virtue ethics, whereby peace may be interpreted as a virtue, and/or virtue is interpreted as peacefulness, and peace education as education in that virtue; 2) consequentialist ethics, whereby peace education may be interpreted as education regarding the consequences of our action and inaction, both as individuals and collectivities; 3) conservative political ethics, whereby peace education may be interpreted as emphasizing the importance of the evolution of social institutions and the importance of ordered and lawful social change; 4) aesthetic ethics, whereby peace may be interpreted as something beautiful and valuable in itself, and peace education as emphasizing the importance of that beauty and value; and 5) the ethics of care, whereby care may be interpreted as a core element in peace, and peace education as encouraging trust and engagement with the other. The study addresses major contributions to each of these ethical traditions, the strengths and weaknesses of the tradition, and the ways in which the tradition provides support for peace education. It is argued in the thesis that each tradition provides only a partial basis for peace education, and that ultimately a holistic and integrative understanding is required, one that encourages a culture of peace. ... an important addition to the emerging literature on peace education and the culture of peace (From the Foreword by Koichiro Matsuura, Director-General of UNESCO). |
| existentialist ethics: Through the Existential Lens: Delving into the Philosophies of Sartre, Heidegger, and Camus Pasquale De Marco, 2025-04-26 Embark on an intellectual odyssey into the realm of existentialism with Through the Existential Lens, a profound exploration of the ideas of three philosophical titans: Jean-Paul Sartre, Martin Heidegger, and Albert Camus. This comprehensive guide unravels the complexities of existentialism, inviting you to question the very foundations of human existence, freedom, and meaning. In this thought-provoking volume, you will delve into the existentialist perspective on topics that have captivated philosophers and laypeople alike for centuries. From the concept of freedom and responsibility to the search for authenticity and meaning in an apparently meaningless universe, Through the Existential Lens offers a unique lens through which to examine the human condition. Sartre's existentialism emphasizes the importance of individual freedom and responsibility. He believed that humans are not merely passive recipients of their circumstances but rather active agents who create their own meaning through their choices. Heidegger's philosophy centers on the concept of being, exploring the relationship between humans and the world around them. Camus, on the other hand, grapples with the concept of the absurd, arguing that the world is fundamentally meaningless and that humans must embrace this absurdity and live authentically. Through the Existential Lens takes you on a journey through the existential labyrinth, examining existentialist themes in literature, art, religion, politics, and psychology. You will encounter profound ideas that challenge conventional notions of reality, truth, and the purpose of life. This book is an invaluable resource for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of existentialism and its profound impact on Western thought and culture. Whether you are a seasoned philosopher or a curious explorer of life's big questions, Through the Existential Lens will ignite your intellect and leave you contemplating the mysteries of existence long after you finish reading its pages. Delve into the depths of existentialism with Through the Existential Lens and discover a new perspective on the human condition, freedom, and the search for meaning in a seemingly meaningless world. If you like this book, write a review on google books! |
| existentialist ethics: The Bloomsbury Handbook of Existentialism Jack Reynolds, Ashley Woodward, Felicity Joseph, 2023-12-28 This fully revised and updated 2nd edition provides a comprehensive reference guide to existentialism, featuring key chapters on key existentialist thinkers, as well as chapters applying existentialism to subject areas ranging across politics, literature, feminism, religion, the emotions, cognitive science, and poststructuralism. Contemporary developments in the field of existentialism that speak to issues of identity and exclusion are explored in 4 new chapters on race, gender, disability, and technology, whilst the 5th new chapter new chapter outlines analytic philosophy's complicated relationship to existentialism. Presenting the field of existentialism beyond the European tradition, this edition also includes a new key thinker chapter on Frantz Fanon, alongside Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, Heidegger, Sartre and de Beauvoir, as well as new engagement with the work of scholars on race and existentialism, including Lewis R. Gordon, George Yancy, and Richard Wright. The resources section at the end of the book includes an updated A to Z glossary, and timeline of key events, texts and thinkers in existentialism, as well as a list of relevant organisations, and an annotated guide to further reading, making this 2nd edition an invaluable text for scholars and students alike. |
| existentialist ethics: The Ethics of Ambiguity Simone de Beauvoir, 2018-05-08 From the groundbreaking author of The Second Sex comes a radical argument for ethical responsibility and freedom. In this classic introduction to existentialist thought, French philosopher Simone de Beauvoir’s The Ethics of Ambiguity simultaneously pays homage to and grapples with her French contemporaries, philosophers Jean-Paul Sartre and Maurice Merleau-Ponty, by arguing that the freedoms in existentialism carry with them certain ethical responsibilities. De Beauvoir outlines a series of “ways of being” (the adventurer, the passionate person, the lover, the artist, and the intellectual), each of which overcomes the former’s deficiencies, and therefore can live up to the responsibilities of freedom. Ultimately, de Beauvoir argues that in order to achieve true freedom, one must battle against the choices and activities of those who suppress it. The Ethics of Ambiguity is the book that launched Simone de Beauvoir’s feminist and existential philosophy. It remains a concise yet thorough examination of existence and what it means to be human. |
Existentialism - Wikipedia
Existentialism is a family of philosophical views and inquiry that explore the human individual's struggle to lead an authentic life despite the apparent absurdity or incomprehensibility of …
existentialism - Encyclopedia Britannica
existentialism, any of various philosophies, most influential in continental Europe from about 1930 to the mid-20th century, that have in common an interpretation of human existence in the …
Existentialism - Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Jan 6, 2023 · The existentialist’s distinction between the object-body and the lived-body has made it possible for contemporary philosophers and social theorists to engage the lived experience …
What is Existentialism? 3 Core Principles of Existentialist ...
Well, in a nutshell, existentialism concerns itself with finding ways to explain the individual human experience, focusing like a laser on what it means to exist as an individual human being in a …
EXISTENTIALISM Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster
The meaning of EXISTENTIALISM is a chiefly 20th century philosophical movement embracing diverse doctrines but centering on analysis of individual existence in an unfathomable universe …
Existentialism—Philosophy and Existential Therapy
Mar 21, 2025 · Existentialism is a philosophy of human nature focused on our free will to determine the course of our lives. It emphasizes individual responsibility to create meaning …
Existentialism: An Introduction - Philosophos
May 17, 2023 · Existentialism is one of the most influential and powerful philosophical movements of modern times. It emerged in the mid-19th century as a response to a world in turmoil, and …
Existentialism - Wikipedia
Existentialism is a family of philosophical views and inquiry that explore the human individual's struggle to lead an authentic life despite the apparent absurdity or incomprehensibility of …
existentialism - Encyclopedia Britannica
existentialism, any of various philosophies, most influential in continental Europe from about 1930 to the mid-20th century, that have in common an interpretation of human existence in the …
Existentialism - Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Jan 6, 2023 · The existentialist’s distinction between the object-body and the lived-body has made it possible for contemporary philosophers and social theorists to engage the lived experience …
What is Existentialism? 3 Core Principles of Existentialist ...
Well, in a nutshell, existentialism concerns itself with finding ways to explain the individual human experience, focusing like a laser on what it means to exist as an individual human being in a …
EXISTENTIALISM Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster
The meaning of EXISTENTIALISM is a chiefly 20th century philosophical movement embracing diverse doctrines but centering on analysis of individual existence in an unfathomable universe …
Existentialism—Philosophy and Existential Therapy
Mar 21, 2025 · Existentialism is a philosophy of human nature focused on our free will to determine the course of our lives. It emphasizes individual responsibility to create meaning …
Existentialism: An Introduction - Philosophos
May 17, 2023 · Existentialism is one of the most influential and powerful philosophical movements of modern times. It emerged in the mid-19th century as a response to a world in turmoil, and …
