Existential Selves: Freedom, Chaos and the Search for Meaning

by Susie Scott (Editor), James Hardie-Bick (Editor)

This volume draws on existentialist ideas from philosophy, psychology and sociology to explore some intriguing questions. How do good people commit evil deeds? Which parts of our selves do we try to hide from others – and from ourselves? How do we find a balance between routine predictability and chaotic despair? What excuses do we make to avoid taking responsibility for our (in)actions? Focusing on Yalom's four 'givens' of the human condition - death, freedom, isolation and meaninglessness - the authors examine these existential themes in relation to wide-ranging topics. The chapters include case studies from the world of  skydiving, women and transgender pro-wrestlers, suicide bombers, sexual subjectivity, utopias and dystopias, psychoanalysis, technology and progress, power and love. As such, the book will be a useful resource for scholars and students from a range of humanities and social science disciplines.

251 pages, Hardcover

Published February 21, 2026