Being and Nothingness: An Essay in Phenomenological Ontology

Jean-Paul Sartre's LÊtre et le Néant is a philosophical work of the twentieth century that offers a radical account of the human condition. This new translation, the first for over sixty years, makes this classic work of philosophy available to a new generation of readers. Sartre argues that consciousness is constantly projecting itself into the outside world and imbuing it with meaning, and that human existence is characterized by radical freedom and the inescapability of choice. He paints a stark and controversial picture of our moral universe that resonates strongly today.

Format: Hardback
Length: 848 pages
Publication date: 25 June 2018
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Jean-Paul Sartre's LÊtre et le Néant, originally published in French in 1943, stands as one of the most profound and revolutionary philosophical works of the 20th century. In this masterpiece, Sartre presents a brilliant and radical exploration of the human condition, offering a profound understanding of our existence. The English philosopher and novelist Iris Murdoch, in a letter to a friend, expressed her excitement upon reading it, comparing it to the exhilaration she felt upon discovering the works of Keats, Shelley, and Coleridge. This new translation, the first in over sixty years, makes this classic work of philosophy accessible to a new generation of readers.

In Being and Nothingness, Sartre delves into the question of what gives our lives meaning. He challenges the notion that our significance is predetermined by God or nature, instead asserting that it is something we ourselves create. At the core of Sartre's philosophy lies his radical conception of consciousness and freedom. Contrary to popular belief, human consciousness is not an internal, passive container for our thoughts and experiences. Instead, it is an active agent that constantly projects itself into the external world, imbuing it with meaning. This interplay between consciousness and the world creates a dynamic and ever-changing landscape of existence.

Sartre's ideas are further enriched by his unsettling view that human existence is characterized by radical freedom and the inescapability of choice. We are not bound by predetermined paths or fate, but have the capacity to shape our own lives and make decisions that have profound consequences. This freedom, however, comes with a sense of responsibility, as we are the ones who define our values and determine the course of our actions. Sartre's exploration of anguish, bad faith, sexual desire, and the look of the Other, brought to life through his famous description of someone looking through a keyhole, adds depth and complexity to his philosophical framework.

Above all, Sartre's most controversial and thought-provoking idea is his assertion that we alone create our values and that human relationships are characterized by hopeless conflict. He challenges the traditional notion of morality and ethics, suggesting that there is no universal moral code or set of principles that governs our behavior. Instead, each individual is responsible for their own actions and must navigate the complex web of relationships and choices that shape their lives. This view, while controversial, resonates strongly with many contemporary thinkers who are exploring the complexities of human morality.

This new translation of LÊtre et le Néant includes a helpful Translator's Introduction, a comprehensive Index, and a Foreword by Richard Moran, Brian D. Young Professor of Philosophy at the University of California, Irvine. Moran provides an insightful overview of Sartre's life and work, while Young offers a contemporary perspective on the relevance and significance of Sartre's philosophy in our modern world.

In conclusion, Jean-Paul Sartre's LÊtre et le Néant is a philosophical masterpiece that continues to inspire and challenge readers to this day. Through his radical conception of consciousness and freedom, Sartre offers a profound understanding of the human condition and challenges our preconceived notions of morality and ethics. This new translation, the first in over sixty years, makes this classic work of philosophy accessible to a new generation of readers, allowing them to explore the depths of Sartre's thought and engage in meaningful discussions about the nature of existence and our place in the world.

Weight: 1546g
Dimension: 161 x 240 x 53 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780415529112