Jean-Paul Sartre

Routledge Critical Thinkers

by Christin Daigle, Robert Eaglestone (Series Editor)

A critical figure in twentieth-century literature and philosophy, Jean-Paul Sartre changed the course of critical thought, and claimed a new, important role for the intellectual. Christine Daigle sets Sartre’s thought in context, and considers a number of key ideas in detail, charting their impact and continuing influence, Introducing both literary and philosophical texts by Sartre, this volume makes Sartre’s ideas newly accessible to students of literary and cultural studies as well as to students of continental philosophy and French.

Genres: Philosophy, Nonfiction

176 pages, Hardcover

First published May 31, 2009

Reviews

[Braeden Hysuick · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m currently taking an undergraduate course in existential philosophy. The course is heavily centred around Sartre and I’ve had some difficulty reading Sartre’s own writing. I found this book clarified Sartre’s concepts quite succinctly and the author’s interpretations were completely in line with my professors interpretations. I even found the author’s explanations were more useful than my professor’s. In the end I used this book as the backbone of my term paper. So, it’s definitely a useful and engaging introduction to Sartre, especially if you’re not interested in reading him directly.

[alyssapeterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super accessible introduction to the work of Sartre. Helped build the foundations of my understanding of existentialism. Some standout thoughts:

i. Genuine existence is conceived of as free by facing the meaningless ground of its own transcendence. The values according to which one lives depend not on divine fiat or metaphysical necessity but on oneself alone.

ii. "No human can cause herself or her world to be necessary. No human can create a meaning and justification for the world that would make it exist by right rather than by chance. In a word, no human can be God... The authentic person gives her life meaning and value by accepting and affirming herself as the free creator of a meaningful world." (from Anderson, Sartre's Two Ethics)

iii. Sartre's thoughts on love are interesting. Particularly the idea that love is an attempt to assimilate the freedom of another, to reach their consciousness and to be as close as possible to 'fusion'. He contends that wanting to be loved is the same as wanting to tame 'the Look' (the objectifying perception) of the other. "If I am loved, I am no longer an instrument for the Other. The Other encounters my facticity [my body in situation], and yet, I am more than just an object for him if the Other loves me."

iv. Sartre's writing and existentialism as a whole is fascinating and relevant because it addresses problems from the lived experience of the individual. This branch of philosophy arguably permeates all others, feeling deeply spiritual in nature (whether from a religious perspective or not). The desire to make sense of our existence and experience is innate. These works, arguments and thoughts help us to do so.

[Molsa Roja(s) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arrivera-t-on à lire Sartre En Soi? En ce moment de l’histoire qu’on peut appeller, en suivant Debord, une société —absolument— spéctacularisée, où sont-ils les philosophes? Est la tâche du philosophe encore la même, celle d’être engagé? Ça n’aurait presque rien à voir avec ce livre, qui est une introduction magnifique à la pensée sartréenne, surtout sur sa philosophie de la conscience et les notions de liberté, mauvaise foi et authenticité. Beaucoup à lire, beaucoup à aimer.

[haryii · Rating 5 out of 5]

in many ways my first philosophy book

[Kirschkuchen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've come across several other Routledge Critical Thinker Guides and this is by far one of the most accessible ones. The ideas seem heavy at first but C Daigle repeats and reiterates themes numerous times so the reader can see links more closely connected after some time. I enjoyed reading it, it was very clear to read.