The Existentialist Salon

In the Existentialist Salon we will be reading Sarah Bakewell’s At The Existentialist Cafe, a delightful, accessible but nonetheless very solid introduction to the philosophical and historical dimensions of existentialism. Thus, we will encounter Jean Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir sipping apricot cocktails and wishing for a more relevant form of philosophy. We will understand the need for and meaning of existentialism, especially as we remember and reflect on the experience of war and occupation, and consider how it forces us to think about personal and political choices.

Along the way we will become acquainted with the main ideas of Husserl and Heidegger, the founding ‘fathers’ of existentialism, and discuss Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir. Finally, we will read a short story by Sartre, The Wall, which encapsulates in literary form the fundamental themes of existentialism.

JOINING DETAILS:

• Six-week study on Zoom led by Emilia Steuerman
• Thursdays, 6.00-8.00 pm (UK), 19 & 26 September, 3, 10, 17, 24 October 2024
• As the basis of this study we will read Sarah Bakewell’s At The Existentialist Cafe, ISBN-13: 978-0099554882
• £180 for six meetings, including opening notes and resources