Atheism

Alexandre Kojève was a Russian émigré to France whose lectures on Hegel in the 1930s galvanized a generation of French intellectuals. His book, Atheism, is an erudite and open-ended exploration of profound questions of estrangement, death, suicide, and the infinite that demonstrates the range and provocative power of his thought. He investigates the possibility that there is no vantage point or source of authority outside or beyond politics and the world as we experience it, and offers a striking new perspective on his work and its implications for theism, atheism, politics, and freedom.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 248 pages
Publication date: 23 February 2021
Publisher: Columbia University Press

Alexandre Kojève, a Russian émigré to France, emerged as one of the most brilliant and unconventional thinkers of the twentieth century. During the 1930s, his lectures on Hegel captivated a generation of French intellectuals, sparking a renewed interest in philosophy and political theory. Despite his extensive writings, Kojève published very little during his lifetime, leaving behind a vast body of work that continues to challenge and inspire scholars to this day.

Written in 1931 but left unfinished, "Atheism" is an erudite and open-ended exploration of profound questions of estrangement, death, suicide, and the infinite. It demonstrates the range and provocative power of Kojève's thought, as he ranges across various philosophical and cultural domains, including Heidegger, Buddhism, Christianity, German idealism, Russian literature, and mathematics.

In "Atheism," Kojève advances a novel argument about freedom and authority. He investigates the possibility that there is no vantage point or source of authority that is outside or beyond politics and the world as we experience it. He questions whether atheism, or theism, is even a meaningful position, as both affirmation and denial of God's existence imply a knowledge that seems clearly beyond our capacities.

Masterfully translated by Jeff Love, this book offers a striking new perspective on Kojève's work and its implications for theism, atheism, politics, and freedom. It sheds light on the complexities of Kojève's thought and its relevance to contemporary debates about the nature of knowledge, authority, and the relationship between philosophy, science, and religion.

Kojève's exploration of these profound questions continues to inspire and provoke scholars, making him a vital figure in the history of twentieth-century philosophy. His work challenges us to think critically about the foundations of our beliefs and the role of philosophy and politics in shaping our understanding of the world. Through his innovative and thought-provoking ideas, Kojève continues to be a source of inspiration for those seeking to reimagine the boundaries of knowledge and explore the possibilities of a more liberated and democratic society.

Weight: 306g
Dimension: 140 x 216 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780231180016