Existentialism is most often associated with J P Sartre and post-war France. It does, however, have a long history as a tendency of thought in philosophy. Other philosophers who have been called existentialists are the Danish philosopher Kierkegaard, the German philosopher Nietzsche and the Frenchman Camus. The existential outlook has also been expressed in much literature and art. The work of the writers Kafka and Becket and the painters Klimt and Francis Bacon is usually taken to be existentialist. Key themes of existentialism are an emphasis on the meaninglessness of human life and the anxiety this provokes. Other central themes are human freedom and personal identity. Fundamental to existentialism, however, is a commitment to a distinctive human world of value, perception and awareness which is immune to scientific rationality. For the existentialist, human beings can never be explained by the methods of science. In this course, I will introduce students to the key existentialist themes and we will discuss them by reference to philosophy and to art and literature. A booklet of key readings will be provided for participants’ use. No previous experience of philosophy is required and the sessions are informal and friendly. The course should be of interest to anybody who enjoys discussion of important and serious issues with like-minded people, under the guidance of an experienced tutor. There is no assessment. Alan Collett 01206 826404 |