Existentialism Reading: Sarte, Kierkegaard, Nietzshe, Husserl

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SUMMARY

This discussion centers on recommended readings for understanding existentialism, highlighting key figures such as Jean-Paul Sartre, Søren Kierkegaard, Friedrich Nietzsche, and Edmund Husserl. The conversation emphasizes the distinction between 'literary' and 'intellectual' existentialism, with Sartre identified as a leading figure in the latter. Notable works mentioned include Dostoevsky's "Notes from the Underground," "Dream of a Ridiculous Man," and Sartre's "No Exit," alongside Camus as a significant literary source. The importance of the message over the medium is underscored as a crucial aspect of engaging with existentialist literature.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of existentialism as a philosophical movement
  • Familiarity with key existentialist authors: Sartre, Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, and Husserl
  • Knowledge of literary versus intellectual approaches to existentialism
  • Basic comprehension of major existentialist themes and concepts
NEXT STEPS
  • Read "Notes from the Underground" by Fyodor Dostoevsky
  • Explore "No Exit" by Jean-Paul Sartre
  • Investigate "The Myth of Sisyphus" by Albert Camus
  • Study the differences between literary and intellectual existentialism
USEFUL FOR

Philosophy students, literature enthusiasts, and anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of existentialist thought and its key texts.

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I have gained an interest in learning a bit of the existential attitude and would like to hear if anyone has recommended readings. So far I've read papers by Sarte, Kierkegaard, Nietzshe and Husserl. Thanks!
 
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My roommate who is a philosophy major said that there is a difference between 'literary' existentialism and 'intellectual' existentialism. What that definition is precisely is for him to know and for me to have passed through one ear and out the other :) .

I read Dostoevsky's The Brother's Karamazov (which is supposedly an early example of existentialism). In fact, most people place the beginning of existentialism with him, but I think that is more for his Notes from the Underground and Dream of a Ridiculous Man. I would check out the latter two especially, because they are much shorter (TBK is around 700 pages, NU is like 60 and DRM is a short story of like 15 pages).

Sartre's supposedly the champion of intellectual existentialism, so good choice there :) . Supposedly 'No Exit' by him is good. Have you heard of 'Waiting for Godot'? I don't think it's Sartre but that is also a good one for existentialism.
 
This depends on what you want to get out of reading. Camus is an excellent source for existentialism because it is from a literary perspective. There are many different approaches and what is important is the message not the medium.

Greg Bernhardt said:
I have gained an interest in learning a bit of the existential attitude and would like to hear if anyone has recommended readings. So far I've read papers by Sarte, Kierkegaard, Nietzshe and Husserl. Thanks!
 

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