Understand Existentialism: Teach Yourself

Understand Existentialism is an essential guide to what can often be challenging terrain. Suitable for newcomers as well as students of philosophy, this book explores the origins and development of existentialism as well as the contemporary relevance of existential ways of thinking.

Is this the right book for me?

Understand Existentialism breaks down a complex mode of thought into more manageable sections, enabling you to get to grips with the key concepts within the movement. Chart the origins and development of existentialism in a variety of disciplines and learn about significant thinkers from Sartre and De Beauvoir to Beckett and Camus. Whether you are a newcomer or more experienced student, this book will enhance your understanding of a brand of philosophy designed to give meaning and direction amongst the uncertainties of modern life.


Understand Existentialism includes:

Chapter 1: Introduction to existentialism
Chapter 2: Living dangerously: the roots of existentialism
Chapter 3: Between birth and death
Chapter 4: Existence precedes essence
Chapter 5: The authentic life
Chapter 6: Freedom, choice and responsibility
Chapter 7: The individual, art and society
Chapter 8: Existentialism and religion
Chapter 9: Authenticity and the absurd: the fiction of Sartre and Camus


Learn effortlessly with a new easy-to-read page design and interactive features:

Not got much time?
One, five and ten-minute introductions to key principles to get you started.

Author insights
Lots of instant help with common problems and quick tips for success, based on the author's many years of experience.

Test yourself
Tests in the book and online to keep track of your progress.

Extend your knowledge
Extra online articles to give you a richer understanding of the subject.

Five things to remember
Quick refreshers to help you remember the key facts.

Try this
Innovative exercises illustrate what you've learnt and how to use it.