Kierkegaard: An Essential Introduction

by Michael Watts

“Best single source on Kierkegaard I’ve seen. Excellent short biography of his life and family. Fantastic explanation of how to approach Kierkegaard’s ideas… I did spend a lot of time on the Danish philosopher’s work as a graduate student (particularly Fear and Trembling) and I do wish that I had had this at the time” (Austin Cline, online review at atheism.about.com; full review at "A reader’s delight … his presentation of Kierkegaard’s thought is crystalline, concise, and compelling… Michael Watts has succeeded in presenting the nuanced and multilayered thought of Kierkegaard in a very readable manner.” (review in “Review of Metaphysics”, Vol. 58 (3), March 2005. pp. 689. by Roy Martinez, professor and chair of the Department of Philosophy and Religion at Spelman College.Clarifies in crystal clear, jargon free, highly readable prose, Kierkegaard’s use of pseudonym, irony, humour and parable, and all the core themes of Kierkegaard’s writings that best exemplify the essence of his his thoughts on anxiety, despair, subjective truth and faith, and the purpose of life. Widely endorsed by eminent professors of philosophy, it is a perfect choice for students of Kierkegaard and for complete newcomers. No other introduction provides such an in-depth analysis of Fear and Trembling, the central work of Kierkegaard’s authorship, and such a comprehensive coverage of his understanding of death awareness, which he regarded as a prerequisite for true spiritual development. Embedded in the pages of this book are ideas that are as relevant today to the fundamental concerns of our modern existence, as they were during Kierkegaard’s time - metaphors and truths of existence that when experienced subjectively, will overwhelm and enlighten receptive readers with insights that can lead to genuine inner transformation and profound personal growth.About the AuthorPhilosophy The Philosophy of Heidegger, Acumen Publishing, Durham (2011)2. Kierkegaard, Oneworld Publications, Oxford (2003)3. A Beginner’s Guide, Hodder and Stoughton Educational, London, (2001) 4. A Beginner’s Guide, Spanish Language Heidegger Guia para Jovenes, Logues Ediciones, Madrid (2003)5. A Beginner’s Guide, Korean Language Korean Translation Joong-Ang Inc. Seoul, (2006) Psychology Doodle A Beginner's Guide, Hodder and Stoughton Educational, London (2000)7. What Handwriting Reveals About Love & Romance, St Martins Griffin, New York, (1996)8. The Naked Sexuality Revealed Through Handwriting, Headline Book Publishing, London (1995)9. What Your Handwriting Reveals About You, Your Friends and Your Enemies, Simon & Schuster, New York (1991)Michael Watts graduated with honors in 1980 in Experimental Psychology, (Sussex University, UK). Continuing with post-graduate research in Graphology, he became a personnel consultant for companies worldwide, and in 1983 assisted the Security Commission in Whitehall.Writing for numerous magazines and national newspapers in the UK and USA, he has also been a frequent guest on radio and television (ITV, BBC and Sky News channels).An independent scholar and writer, his specialist interests are in philosophy, in particular in the practical application of East Asian thinking and Western Existentialism.

Genres: Philosophy

274 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 4, 2014

Reviews

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Michael Watts's "Kierkegaard: An Essential Introduction," delivers on that promise. Watts offers a biography of Kierkegaard's life, a tour of his major books, and a consideration of his philosophical contributions. Watts is a clear writer and he sprinkles lots of Kierkegaard's writing throughout, so you don't feel removed from Kierkegaard.

Watts helps us understand why Kierkegaard used pseudonyms and how to read the various "authors" he published under. He helps us understand Kierkegaard's context, what his purposes were, and how to understand his primary sparring partner, Hegel. He also helps us navigate key themes in Kierkegaard such as faith, despair, and anxiety.

I appreciated that Watts didn't try to sever Kierkegaard's writings from his strong Christian faith, but felt this part of the book could have been even stronger. That is a minor critique and this would be my go-to book for anyone interested in Kierkegaard.

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[Dr. Lloyd E. Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read a few of of Kierkegaard's books and I've read some commentary. What this book did for me was to integrate Kierkegaard's use of pseudonyms , his irony and humor with his complicated relationships with his father, brother and, most interestingly , Regina the love of his life.
A monied man, Kierkegaard lived a life in which he rarely dealt with economic issues. He spent his mornings walking among the citizens of Copenhagen and he spent the afternoon writing what he gained from his eavesdropping. He self published all his books.
The 'father of existentialism' spent much of his time writing under different pseudonyms, one book in one room, a different book in another room.
Watt's greatest achievement is to pull together from many of Kierkegaard's books, Kierkegaard's argument that Christianity is a radical position. To be a Christian is to be completely honest with yourself and others while constantly loving yourself, others and God. No easy feat.

[Ana · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a marvelous introduction! The book masterfully summarized a philosopher’s life and theories in the most accessible way given the complexity of the topic. This could be read as a one stop shop for those who only desire a general understanding of Kierkegaard’s philosophy or as the perfect starting point for a full blown philosophical investigation. The pacing of the story was perfect; concepts were explained without being redundantly repeated. The only thing that stymies my ability to rate this 5 stars is my disinterest in Kierkegaard’s thoughts on religion which understandably take up most of this book, a reality which is of no fault to the other and entirety a matter of personal qualms with the subject’s interests.

[El-Jahiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my second introductory book on Kierkegaard, and with this one it felt like i am getting closer to his esoteric philosophy (post facto regarded as the precursor to formal existentialism). Michael Watts decoded much of Kierkegaard's recondite language into lucid layman terms.

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best intro on Kierkegaard out there. This was the 3rd or 4th time I've read it.