From Rationalism to Existentialism: The Existentialists and Their Nineteenth-century Backgrounds [Paperback]

Robert C. Solomon (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 074251241X | ISBN-13: 978-0742512412 | Publication Date: February 14, 2001

In this enduring text, renowned philosopher Robert C. Solomon provides students with a detailed introduction to modern existentialism. He reveals how this philosophy not only connects with, but derives from, the thought of traditional philosophers through the works of Nietzsche, Kierkegaard, Husserl, Heidegger, Sartre, and Merleau-Ponty. Thus, existentialism emerges from the school of rational thought as a logical evolution of respected philosophy.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Solomon's work exhibits a fine understanding of the complexity of the history of ideas. He is capable of overlooking differences of method and agenda to find the evolving core of ideas beneath that bring a unity to western philosophical thought, and so he manages to bring the enfant terrible-- existentialism-- home to its roots. This is a very important achievement... (Milltown Studies )

Solomon takes us on an illuminating journey through Western philosophy by his ability to find comparisons between the most seemingly incongruent philosophies. (Milltown Studies )

About the Author

Robert C. Solomon is Professor of Philosophy at the University of Texas at Austin. He is author of several best-selling textbooks and numerous monographs.

Product Details

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers (February 14, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 074251241X
• ISBN-13: 978-0742512412
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 5.9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #268,409 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

G. Lee Bowie received a Ph.D. in Philosophy from Stanford University and has taught at University of Michigan, University of Mass, Amherst College, and Hampshire College. Currently he is Professor of Philosophy at Mount Holyoke College. Meredith W. Michaels received a Ph.D. in philosophy (with Clancy Martin), ETHICS AND EXCELLENCE, THE JOY OF PHILOSOPHY, and TRUE TO OUR FEELINGS, and he was co-editor of TWENTY QUESTIONS, Fifth Edition (with Lee Bowie and Meredith Michaels), and SINCE SOCRATES (with Clancy Martin).

Customer Reviews

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4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Progressive walk through modern Philosophy, January 3, 2011

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This review is from: From Rationalism to Existentialism: The Existentialists and Their Nineteenth-century Backgrounds (Paperback)

Wow, this book was sooo interesting, but an incredibly slow read for me. I graduated from college as an Engineer and was not 'forced' to read any philosophy up to the point of this book. As my first real transition into the genre this book was incredible, but it does assume some previous knowledge or you will look up a few things here and there to create a level playing field with the semi-experienced reader. I think this is a must read for anyone with interest and limited philosophical knowledge. It is no doubt a text book, but will expose the reader to whatever philosophy of the past 200 years that peaks their interest.