Søren
Kierkegaard is now regarded as the founder
of Existentialism and the first modern theologian.
Philosophy, in Kierkegaard's radical view,
was of no use unless it permanently changed
people's lives. His distrust of grand abstract
schemes, particularly Hegel's, and his insistence
that philosophy is essentially writing also
identify him as a forerunner of postmodernist
concerns.
Kierkegaard disguised his own authorship by
adopting multiple pseudonyms and plural viewpoints
often contrary to his beliefs. He was the
first great thinker to explore the unexplained
sense of anxiety that oppresses modern individuals.
He probed deep into the paradoxes of religious
belief and challenged a society which falsely
claimed to be 'Christian'.
Introducing Kierkegaard is an account of the
strange life and ideas of a being tortured
by his attempts to change the priorities of
Western thought. Dave Robinson offers a clear
path through Kierkegaard's 'anti-philosophy',
and Oscar Zarate illustrates a passionate
story with skill and humour.
***
Dave
Robinson has taught philosophy for many years
and is the author of numerous Introducing
titles. He is now a part-time lecturer in
Critical Studies and lives in Devon.
Oscar
Zarate is a highly acclaimed graphic artist
who has illustrated many Introducing titles.
