Kierkegaard: A Guide For The Perplexed

"Kierkegaard" is part of Continuum's "Guides for the Perplexed" series of books, which are typically characterised by their are clear, concise and reader-friendly writing style that enables readers to better understand subjects they find especially challenging.

Soren Kierkegaard was the originator of existentialism and a central figure in Western philosophy having contributed to the philosophy of ethics and religion. His talent for delivering superbly poetic yet complex writings (e.g. "Fear and Trembling" - leaves reading his material requiring careful study.

Rather importantly in Kierkegaard's case, the author has described the relationship that the philosopher had between life and work. Furthermore, the book analyses the philosophical challenges created 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.

Crucially, the book indicates how Kierkegaard's philosophical, religious, social, literary and personal attitudes are integrated in his philosophies. Kierkegaard's influence on later philosophers - such as Heidegger, Wittgenstein and Sartre - is also discussed.