Existentialism and Humanism: Jean-paul Sarte

by Gerald Jones, Jeremy Hayward, Daniel Cardinal

This text provides an accessible, student-centred guide to both the set text Existentialism and Humanism and to the broader existentialist philosophy of Jean-Paul Sartre. It is suitable for both A Level and HE philosophy students. historical context; a section by section guide to Existentialism and Humanism including key quotes; tasks and activities to help you understand and evaluate Sartre's philosophy; and a critical analysis of the philosophical implications of Sartre's ideas. It also offers summaries of key points needed for exam questions about Sartre and existentialism plus an extensive glossary of key words and ideas focused coverage of AS and A2 Philosophy

Genres: Philosophy, Nonfiction

140 pages, Paperback

First published June 30, 2003

Reviews

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the formative philosophy books of my life.

[Anne-Sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sartre is bae.

[Alfredo Martinez Inzunza · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorites existentialist essays

[Matson Bailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sartre speaks of such a deep philosophic a way anyone can understand it.

[Andrew Bailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an A Level companion guide to Sartre's work, Existentialism and Humanism. It was written for an incarnation of the AQA A Level that is now several editions out of date and Sartre is no longer a part of the course but this book still has validity. Unlike some of Jones et al's offerings, which can waffle, this book is generally well written and structured. It is meant to be read alongside Existentialism and Humanism but even if read alone gives an illuminating account of Sartre's key ideas and criticisms of them. I read it without the book and knowing almost nothing of Sartre's work and finished feeling like I had a good understanding of the main issues he was grappling with (though reading his actual work myself may test how true this is). Overall, it is short, easy to read, and conveys a depth of learning that is impressive given the former two points.

Edit (29 May 2020): Having now read Existentialism and Humanism, I can confirm that it is indeed a good companion guide. My only criticism is that the case of the young man that Sartre uses is mentioned in this guide but in the actual work by Sartre it is an example that seems central to the work as he constantly refers back to it. This guide tends to give an overal view of Sartre's work with reference to expanding on his other ideas with illustrations from his other works and context. This is generally a good thing but perhaps lessens the main drive that Sartre seems to be dealing with, which partly relates to how to make ethical decisions when there is no good option to be had.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

clear and thought provoking

[Alireza · Rating 3 out of 5]

That was good enough to spend my free time while I travel to work to learn more about existentialism :)