Soren Kierkegaard was one of the most important European philosophers of the nineteenth-century and is widely regarded as the founder of existentialism. His work had a profound influence on some of the main intellectual currents of the last two centuries.

Clearly and thematically structured, with investigations into a host of Kierkegaard's key concepts--including 'immediacy', 'sin', 'despair', 'individuality' and 'the crowd'--and with references to a wide range of his works, Starting with Kierkegaard provides the reader with a balanced overview of the Danish philosopher's project, paying as much attention to the signed 'edifying' works as to the famous authorship of the pseudonyms.

"Starting with Kierkegaard" also offers a short survey of the historical, biographical and philosophical context of Kierkegaard's ideas as they started to take shape in the 1830s. The book closes with a discussion of Kierkegaard and society, and of his continuing relevance to today. "Starting with Kierkegaard" is the ideal introduction for anyone coming to the work of this hugely important thinker for the first time.

The Danish Christian existentialist SAren Kierkegaard (1813-1855) and the Jewish Lithuanian-born French interpreter of modern phenomenology Emmanuel Levinas (1906-1995) have enabled theology and philosophy to illuminate and confront one another in radical and important ways. This book addresses the theological and philosophical thought of both Kierkegaard and Levinas with a focus on the special form that exists in the grammar of many languages for cases of uncertainty, possibility, hypothesis and for expressions of hope: the subjunctive mood. As well as presenting arguments and observations about Kierkegaard and Levinas through an analysis of the subjunctive mood, Patrick Sheil offers an interesting and accessible way into the thought of these two major European philosophers and he explores a wide range of Kierkegaardian and Levinasian texts throughout.

The Danish Christian existentialist SAren Kierkegaard (1813-1855) and the Jewish Lithuanian-born French interpreter of modern phenomenology Emmanuel Levinas (1906-1995) have enabled theology and philosophy to illuminate and confront one another in radical and important ways. This book addresses the theological and philosophical thought of both Kierkegaard and Levinas with a focus on the special form that exists in the grammar of many languages for cases of uncertainty, possibility, hypothesis and for expressions of hope: the subjunctive mood. As well as presenting arguments and observations about Kierkegaard and Levinas through an analysis of the subjunctive mood, Patrick Sheil offers an interesting and accessible way into the thought of these two major European philosophers and he explores a wide range of Kierkegaardian and Levinasian texts throughout.

This is a new introduction to Kierkegaard, guiding the student through the key concepts of his work by examining the overall development of his ideas. Soren Kierkegaard was one of the most important European philosophers of the nineteenth-century, the founder of existentialism whose work had a profound influence on some of the greatest minds of the last two centuries. Clearly and thematically structured, covering all Kierkegaard's key ideas and major works, "Starting with Kierkegaard" leads the reader through a thorough overview of the development of his thought, resulting in a more complete understanding of the roots of his philosophical concerns. Offering coverage of the full range of Kierkegaard's philosophy, the book examines the historical and phliosophical context of his ideas and how these shaped the key themes of his work. Crucially the book introduces the major thinkers and events that proved influential in the development of Kierkegaard's work, including Schelling, Pascal and his early education in theology. This is the ideal introduction for anyone coming to the work of this hugely important thinker for the first time. Continuum's "Starting With..." series offers clear, concise and accessible introductions to the key thinkers in philosophy. The books explore and illuminate the roots of each philosopher's work and ideas, leading readers to a thorough understanding of the key influences and philosophical foundations from which his or her thought developed. Ideal for first-year students starting out in philosophy, the series will serve as the ideal companion to study of this fascinating subject.