Existentialism was one of the leading philosophical movements of the twentieth century Focusing on its seven leading figures Sartre Nietzsche Heidegger Kierkegaard de Beauvoir Merleau-Ponty & Camus this Very Short Introduction provides a clear account of the key themes of the movement which emphasized individuality free will & personal responsibility in the modern world Drawing in the movement's varied relationships with the arts humanism & politics this book clarifies the philosophy & original meaning of 'existentialism'
- which has tended to be obscured by misappropriation Placing it in its historical context Thomas Flynn also highlights how existentialism is still relevant to us today ABOUT THE SERIES The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly Our expert authors combine facts analysis perspective new ideas & enthusiasm to make interesting & challenging topics highly readable