Existentialist’s Guide to Death, the Universe, and Nothingness

This is a great way to get to know a lot of (mostly dead) existentialists whilst still holding down a day job. It is a very concise and precise introduction to the main themes and originators of existentialist philosophy and how they are still relevant to our everyday life. Not exactly a self-help book though, and certainly not a dumbed-down guide. This is not philosophy-lite despite the jazzy cover and coming in at a mere 182 pages. For example, although Cox deals with Nothingness in 4 pages (which is a considerable saving on Sartre's 700 page `Being and Nothingness') you may need to read those 4 pages a few times very slowly! How about: »Being-in-itself, unlike nothingness, is what it is and not what it is not. Nevertheless, what it is not (nothingness) is. Not in the sense of being it - that would make nothingness indistinguishable from being-in-itself - but in the sense of having to be it.» (it's not really too bad in context!) Cox does not dwell on the somewhat outdated political and social aspects of existentialism and gives a contemporary feel to the ideas. He also uses humour to good effect. His clear understanding of the subject means he can paraphrase and précis complex ideas without over simplification or misinterpretation. He also manages to convey the positive aspects of our fundamental emptiness and absurdity - if you are prepared to face the facts this can actually be quite inspirational. This is a seriously good read for those who are philosophically inclined and are looking for a `useful' rather than a purely conceptual treatise. [Språk: Engelska] Häftad

Titel: Existentialist’s Guide to Death, the Universe, and Nothingness
Förlag: Continuum