Kierkegaard: An Introduction

by C. Stephen Evans

Overview

C. Stephen Evans provides a clear, readable introduction to Søren Kierkegaard (1813–55) as a philosopher and thinker. His book is organised around Kierkegaard's concept of the three 'stages' or 'spheres' of human existence, which provide both a developmental account of the human self and an understanding of three rival views of human life and its meaning. Evans also discusses such important Kierkegaardian concepts as 'indirect communication', 'truth as subjectivity', and the Incarnation understood as 'the Absolute Paradox'. Although his discussion emphasises the importance of Christianity for understanding Kierkgaard, it shows him to be a writer of great interest to a secular as well as a religious audience. Evans' book brings Kierkegaard into conversation with western philosophers past and present, presenting him as one who gives powerful answers to the questions which philosophers ask.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521700412
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	04/09/2009
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	224
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

C. Stephen Evans is University Professor of Philosophy and Humanities at Baylor University. His most recent published works include Kierkegaard: Fear and Trembling (2006) co-edited with Sylvia Walsh and Kierkegaard's Ethics of Love: Divine Commands and Moral Obligations (2004).

Table of Contents

1. Introduction: Kierkegaard's life and works; 2. Pseudonymity and indirect communication; 3. The human self: truth and subjectivity; 4. The stages of existence: forms of the aesthetic life; 5. The ethical life as the quest for selfhood; 6. Religious existence: religiousness; 7. Christian existence: faith and the paradox; 8. Kierkegaard's dual challenge to the contemporary world.

Editorial Reviews

"C. Stephen Evans has been established for decades as one of the most highly respected scholars of Kierkegaard's writings, and his newest book offers a concise introduction to Kierkegaard's thought, with particular attention to its significance for philosophy. ...a tribute to Kierkegaard's work."
Rick Anthony Furtak, Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews

"....distinct but complimentary introduction[s] that open fruitful opportunities to engage many dimension of Kierkegaard's corpus.... excellent and well written...."
Paul Martens, Baylor University, Perspectives in Religious Studies

"...structured thematically.... Evans's intention is to help a reader see the broad outlines of Kierkegaard's philosophical thought.... offers different ideas about the function of an introduction.... provide a means to begin to access this important thinker."
Peder Jothen, St. Olaf College, Faith and Philosophy

"Walsh's book is a clear, reliable, and erudite guide to a somewhat neglected aspect of Kierkegaard's authorship. It represents a considerable scholarly achievement, and will be essential reading ..."
The Journal of Religious Studies

From the Publisher