The Transcendence of the Ego: An Existentialist Theory of Consciousness [Paperback]

Jean-Paul Sartre (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0809015455 | ISBN-13: 978-0809015450 | Publication Date: January 1, 1991

First published in France in 1937, this important essay marked a turning point in Sartre’s philosophical development. Before writing it, he had been closely allied with phenomenologists such as Husserl and Heidegger. Here, however, Sartre attacked Husserl’s notion of a transcendental ego. The break with Husserl, in turn, facilitated Sartre’s transition from phenomenology to the existentialist doctrines of his masterwork, Being and Nothingness, which was completed a few years later while the author was a prisoner of war.

This student-friendly edition of The Transcendence of the Ego also includes an introduction and notes/annotations by the translators.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English, French (translation) --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Jean-Paul Sartre—novelist, essayist, playwright, and philosopher—was France's leading existentialist. Among his most famous works are the novel Nausea, the play No Exit, and the philosophical treatise Being and Nothingness.

Product Details

• Paperback: 119 pages
• Publisher: Hill and Wang (January 1, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0809015455
• ISBN-13: 978-0809015450
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #222,405 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Novelist, playwright, and biographer Jean-Paul Sartre (1905-80) is widely considered one of the greatest philosophers of the twentieth century. His major works include "No Exit," "Nausea," "The Wall," "The Age of Reason," "Critique of Dialectical Reason," "Being and Nothingness," and "Roads to Freedom," an allegory of man's search for commitment, and not, as the man at the off-licence says, an everyday story of French country folk.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The turning point in the thought of Sartre, September 18, 2006

By 

Jameson P. Ryley "History Buff" (Geneseo, IL) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Transcendence of the Ego: An Existentialist Theory of Consciousness (Paperback)

The Transcendence of the Ego is Sartre's refutation and response to the phenomenology of Edmund Husserl and his idea that a transcendental ego stands behind consciousness. Reading Being and Nothingness is tremendously aided by this short work, and the thought inside is tremendously exciting, because Sartre refutes solipsism and finally brings consciousness outside into the world. This book is highly recommended to those interested in Existentialist Philosophy.

17 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Existential Classic, May 29, 2000

By 

"bradmccall" - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Transcendence of the Ego: An Existentialist Theory of Consciousness (Paperback)

The Transendence of the Ego is the heart and soul of Sartre's philosopy. It is a classic and a must for anyone who wants to delve deeper in his/her understanding of Sartre's other philosophical views. It is a wonderful thesis, more or less an expanded introduction to Being and Nothingness.

5.0 out of 5 stars Fast and Good!, January 18, 2012

By 

Treasurejones - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Transcendence of the Ego: An Existentialist Theory of Consciousness (Paperback)

I ordered this book used on the fist day of classes, and I had it in a week in great condition.