The Dizziness of Freedom in Kierkegaard and Sartre

This book investigates the concept of freedom as defined by Kierkegaard and Sartre, emphasizing choice, responsibility, and transcendence. It is a translation of "Il sentimento paralizzante del possibile. La vertigine della libertà in Kierkegaard e Sartre" and offers a contemporary perspective on Italian philosophy to English readers.

Format: Hardback
Length: 88 pages
Publication date: 14 January 2024
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

This book delves into the concept of freedom, as explored by Søren Kierkegaard and several prominent figures in existentialism, such as Jean-Paul Sartre. With a focus on delineating an ontology of the human condition, it emphasizes the notions of choice, responsibility, and transcendence. The second part of the book specifically examines existential freedom in its most radical formulation by Sartre. A translation of "Il sentimento paralizzante del possibile. La vertigine della libertà in Kierkegaard e Sartre" (2022), this book offers English readers a glimpse into cutting-edge contemporary Italian philosophy.

Introduction:
Freedom is a fundamental concept that has been the subject of intense philosophical inquiry throughout history. It has been defined in various ways by different thinkers, and its understanding has evolved over time. In this book, we will explore the concept of freedom as it has been defined by Søren Kierkegaard and some of the major figures in existentialism, including Jean-Paul Sartre.

Choice and Responsibility:
Kierkegaard believed that freedom is not an inherent quality of human beings but rather a choice that they must make. He argued that human beings are fundamentally self-centered and that their choices are driven by their desires and passions. However, Kierkegaard also believed that human beings are responsible for the consequences of their choices, and that they must take ownership of their actions.

Sartre, on the other hand, took a more radical approach to freedom. He argued that human beings are free to create their own values and meanings in life. He believed that freedom is not an external force that can be imposed on human beings but rather a self-determined act of will. Sartre also emphasized the importance of responsibility in the exercise of freedom. He argued that human beings are responsible for the choices they make and the consequences of those choices.

Transcendence:
Both Kierkegaard and Sartre believed that freedom is not only about individual choice and responsibility but also about transcendence. Kierkegaard argued that human beings are capable of transcending their finite existence and reaching a higher level of consciousness or spirituality. Sartre, in contrast, believed that human beings are free to create their own values and meanings in life, and that this act of creation is a form of transcendence.

Existential Freedom:
The second part of the book focuses on existential freedom in what has been its most radical formulation by Sartre. Sartre believed that human beings are free to create their own values and meanings in life, but that this freedom is also accompanied by a sense of anxiety and dread. He argued that human beings are constantly faced with the choice between conformity and authenticity, and that the choice to be authentic is often fraught with danger and uncertainty.

Sartre also believed that human beings are free to choose their own path in life, regardless of the consequences. He argued that human beings are responsible for the choices they make and the consequences of those choices, but that they are also free to change their minds and choose a different path if they so desire.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this book investigates the concept of freedom as it has been defined by Søren Kierkegaard and some of existentialism's major figures, including Jean-Paul Sartre. It emphasizes the notions of choice, responsibility, and transcendence and examines existential freedom in its most radical formulation by Sartre. By bringing cutting-edge contemporary Italian philosophy to English readers, this book offers a valuable contribution to the ongoing discussion of freedom and its implications for human life.

Weight: 277g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031381379
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023