Sartre: Romantic Rationalist. Illustrated
By Iris Murdoch
- Release Date: 2025-06-07
- Genre: Philosophy
Description
In Sartre: Romantic Rationalist, acclaimed novelist and philosopher Iris Murdoch presents a clear and insightful introduction to the complex thought of Jean-Paul Sartre, one of the most influential figures in 20th-century existentialism. This illustrated volume offers both a critique and a sympathetic exploration of Sartre’s philosophical and literary work. Murdoch examines Sartre’s central ideas, particularly his emphasis on freedom, responsibility, and the absence of a predetermined human nature. She explores how these themes manifest in his fiction, plays, and major philosophical texts such as Being and Nothingness. The book highlights Sartre's dual identity as both a rigorous rational thinker and a deeply emotional, romantic writer. Murdoch skillfully navigates the tension between these two aspects, portraying Sartre as a passionate intellectual grappling with the dilemmas of modern life. Through elegant prose and philosophical clarity, Murdoch critiques Sartre’s rejection of traditional morality and his belief in radical freedom, while acknowledging the enduring relevance of his ideas. Her analysis remains accessible to readers new to philosophy, yet rich enough to engage scholars.
