Existentialism

Existentialism: An Introduction provides an accessible and
scholarly introduction to the core ideas of the existentialist
tradition. Kevin Aho draws on a wide range of existentialist
thinkers in chapters centering on the key themes of freedom,
being-in-the-world, alienation, nihilism, anxiety and authenticity.
He also addresses important but often overlooked issues in the
canon of existentialism, with discussions devoted to the role of
embodiment, the movement?s contribution to ethics, politics,
and environmental and comparative philosophies, as well as its
influence on contemporary psychiatry and psychotherapy. The
enduring relevance of existentialism is shown by applying
existentialist ideas to contemporary philosophical discussions of
interest to a wide audience. The book covers secular thinkers such
as Heidegger, Merleau-Ponty, Nietzsche, Sartre, Camus, and Beauvoir
as well as religious authors, such as Buber, Dostoevsky, Marcel,
and Kierkegaard.

In this engaging and accessible text Aho shows why existentialism
cannot be easily dismissed as a moribund or outdated movement. In
the aftermath of 'God?s death', existentialist philosophy
engages questions with lasting philosophical significance,
questions such as 'Who am I?' and 'How should I live?' By showing
how existentialism offers insight into what it means to be human,
the author illuminates existentialism?s enduring value.

Existentialism: An Introduction provides the ideal
introduction for upper level students and anyone interested in
knowing more about one of the most vibrant and important areas of
philosophy today.