bIn iRethinking Existentialism/i, Jonathan Webber articulates an original interpretation of existentialism as the ethical theory that human freedom is the foundation of all other values./b Offering an original analysis of classic literary and philosophical works published by Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, and Frantz Fanon up until 1952, Webber's conception of existentialism is developed in critical contrast with central works by Albert Camus, Sigmund Freud, and Maurice Merleau-Ponty. Presenting his arguments in an accessible and engaging style, Webber contends that Beauvoir and Sartre initially disagreed over the structure of human freedom in 1943 but Sartre ultimately came to accept Beauvoir's view over the next decade. He develops the viewpoint that Beauvoir provides a more significant argument for authenticity than either Sartre or Fanon. He articulates in detail the existentialist theories of individual character and the social identities of gender and race, key concerns in current discourse. Webber concludes by sketching out the broader implications of his interpretation of existentialism for philosophy, psychology, and psychotherapy.

About the Author
Jonathan Webber is Professor of Philosophy at Cardiff University. He has published papers on moral philosophy and philosophy of psychology in leading academic journals including Analysis, European Journal of Philosophy, Journal of Moral Philosophy, Mind, and Philosophical Quarterly. He is the author of the monograph The Existentialism of Jean-Paul Sartre, editor of the collection of essays Reading Sartre: on Phenomenology and Existentialism, co-editor of From Personality to Virtue: Essays in the Philosophy of Character, and translator of Sartre's book The Imaginary.

Reviews
Rethinking Existentialism is a substantial and valuable attempt to re-evaluate the core ideas of this important philosophical movement * Juliana De Albuquerque, Times Literary Supplement *
This excellent study engages with the heart of existentialism, challenging established views and interpretations. Essential reading for all researchers and students of existentialism, its clarity of argument will encourage debate. * John Gillespie, French Studies *
Rethinking Existentialism is not only essential reading for anyone interested in existentialism, but the only book one needs. * Kyle Shuttleworth, Sartre Studies International *
There is a great deal of really excellent analysis in this book - of Sartre, of Beauvoir, of Fanon, and of The Outsider, She Came to Stay and No Exit - with which scholars will want to engage seriously. * Katherine J. Morris, Mind *
Clear and readable, this book is advanced but will still be inviting to nonspecialists. A valuable resource in the classroom and in research. Summing up: Highly recommended * CHOICE *



Book Information
ISBN 9780198866763
Author Jonathan Webber
Format Paperback
Page Count 256
Imprint Oxford University Press
Publisher Oxford University Press
Weight(grams) 312g
Dimensions(mm) 216mm * 141mm * 14mm