Irrational Man

A Study in Existential Philosophy

By: William Barrett

Narrated by: Paul Boehmer

Widely recognized as the finest definition of existentialist philosophy ever written, this book introduced existentialism to America in 1958. Barrett speaks eloquently and directly to concerns of the modern era: a period when the irrational and the absurd are no better integrated than before and when humankind is in even greater danger of destroying its existence without ever understanding the meaning of its existence.

Irrational Man begins by discussing the roots of existentialism in the art and thinking of Augustine, Aquinas, Pascal, Baudelaire, Blake, Dostoevski, Tolstoy, Hemingway, Picasso, Joyce, and Beckett. The heart of the book explains the views of the foremost existentialists - Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, Heidegger, and Sartre. The result is a marvelously lucid definition of existentialism and a brilliant interpretation of its impact.

©1958, 1990 William Barrett (P)2019 Tantor

Kierkegaard contrasted with Nietzsche

I have read little of these philosophers and hearing how they were similar and different was why I listened and I got it. After this I went searching for modern philosophers today.

heady

a welcome intro to four thinkers, but Kierkegaard seems to be the poster child... requires a little philosophical background into Western philosophy since the 1700's

A must read for any student of philosophy.

William Barrett's seminal and brilliant exegesis of existential philosophy is not just an essential history of modern thought on the problem of existence, but also an intensely pleasurable read. Barret's language is accessible, rich, humane, occasionally scathing, and often poetic. A magnificent work of scholarship and narrative.

Rationality in irrational times

A fantastic book and deep dive into existentialism. Barrets linguistic abilities are well beyond most, and his ability to link stories and characters in time is undeniably amazing