Kierkegaard: A Guide for the Perplexed

Soren Kierkegaard was the progenitor of existentialism, as well as a major literary figure and philosopher of ethics and religion. Kierkegaard: A Guide for the Perplexed offers a cogent, comprehensive and authoritative account of Kierkegaard's philosophy, ideal for students and readers coming to his work for the first time and who want to reach a full and detailed understanding of this major thinker and writer. It covers the literary and philosophical challenges raised by Kierkegaard's 'direct' and 'indirect' forms of communication; considers Kierkegaard's important critique of Hegel; opens up his ideas on subjectivity and truth; and provides illuminating commentaries on both Fear and Trembling and Philosophical Fragments. Valuably, it also assesses his influence on later philosophers, including Heidegger, Wittgenstein and Sartre.

Introduction Chapter 1: Kierkegaard's Life and Works Chapter 2: The Question of Communication Chapter 3: Kierkegaard's Critique of Hegel Chapter 4: Subjectivity and Truth Chapter 5: The Problem of Sin Chapter 6: Fear and Trembling - Faith Beyond Reason Chapter 7: Philosophical Fragments - The Paradox of Christianity Conclusion Further Reading