AT THE EXISTENTIALIST CAFÉ BY SARAH BAKEWELL – HERMENEUTIC REFLECTIONS ON EXISTENTIALIST MODUS VIVENDI

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Valeria HONCHARENKO

Abstract

Introduction. The article is devoted to the discussion of main ideas of existentialism and the representation of the recently published book about the philosophy of existentialism by Sarah Bakewell. The purpose of the article is to analyze the existentialists’ concepts and to present the principal ideas of the book, to give a concise analysis of its content and to manifest the significance of the author's contribution to the contemporary philosophical studies. To achieve the aim mentioned above we apply the methods of comparative analysis, methods of the hermeneutic reconstruction and reinterpretation, analytical and synthetic methods. Based on the latest investigations and critical reviews on the problematics of the existentialism, its contradictory concepts and a confirmation of its relevance we will attempt to reveal and to confirm the topicality and direct application of existentialism to daily people’s lives, its practicality and the urgent necessity of radically different approach to its interpretation and understanding by referring to Sarah Bakewell’s book. Conclusion. After reviewing the topics mentioned above it is necessary to point out that it is crucial to present not just philosophers fundamental works and its analysis but attempting to change the stereotypical image about the movement which we call existentialism. Furthermore, the author seeks to refute the established skepticism about the expediency of existential philosophy, as well as its proper theoretical justification. We consider this book to be a hermeneutic exploration which the author outlines by using a particular metaphor "existentialist café" which allows us to assert that this is an interdisciplinary investigation with brilliant analytics but without strict conclusions. A spectacular combination of perpetual questioning about fundamentals of existence, penetrating reasoning, an attempting of the hermeneutic dialogue, literary mastery and philosophical generalizations – everyone is invited to experience all this and more at the "existentialist café" of the mind.

Article Details

Section
PHILOSOPHY OF CULTURE, PHILOSOPHY OF RELIGION

References

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