PHI 265 Existentialism

Perhaps Sartre’s statement that “existence precedes essence” provides the most succinct summary of the project of existentialism. Themes such as “despair,” “meaninglessness,” “alienation,” “the absurd” and “the authentic/inauthentic life” are “major players” in existential thought. In this course, we will do a close reading of some of the most significant texts in the existential tradition (mostly those of Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, Heidegger and Sartre) and seek to develop an appropriate biblical response. Prerequisite(s): PHI 101 and either PHI 201, PHI 202 or permission of the instructor. 3 hour(s).