The London Existentialist Meetup

Existential Reading Group

Apr 7, 2013 · 4:30 PM
The Bridge Coffee House 15 Kingsland Rd

At the last meeting, I mentioned it would be nice to organise a reading group. People seemed generally interested so here goes...

I thought we could discuss Existentialism and Humanism by Jean-Paul Sartre. (Note: it has also been published as Existentialism is a Humanism, and I also have a book called Existentialism and Human Emotions that also contains the essay.)

Here is a link to the book on amazon: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Existentialism-Humanism-Jean-Paul-Sartre/dp/0413776395/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1361275403&sr=1-1

I have chosen it because it is as near as possible to an attempt at a definition of existentialism written by one of the major existential philosophers (although other existentialists would disagree with almost all of it!). Also, it is quite small and one of the most accessible existential texts. Thus, making it an excellent introductory text.

Please try to read the whole book before the meeting.

We can discuss possible future texts at the meeting and I will probably set up a vote system if possible.

Pete

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Maria

I found a website with the full texts (it's a russian site and the covers are not always correct but you can download the correct English pdfs there!)

Here's the stranger:
http://www.libgen.info/view.php?id=389660

The fall:
http://www.libgen.info/view.php?id=342408

The stranger is Camus' first novel. It is often quoted as his most famous existentialist and absurdist work. Although both novels are short, the Fall is more complex and takes longer to mull over and absorb!

Having said that, they are both great literary works, but I believe that the Stranger makes a great 'first Camus book' for our reading group!

Cheers,
Maria

0 · April 9, 2013
Pete R.

Yes very good chat. I think we covered most of the key themes: what is humanism, existence precedes essence, anxiety, abandonment, atheism, free choice, responsibility.
I am happy to look at the fall, the outsider or some other text. Can't find a pdf of the fall. If anyone has found one, can you add the hyperlink to this discussion.
Thanks

0 · April 8, 2013
Maria

That was a great meetup; and lovely to meet you Paul and Mara :)

I was thinking, since we're considering Camus as our next author, the Stranger might be a more obvious choice, as it is the most prominent existentialist Camus work. What do you think?

0 · April 7, 2013
- Maria
  
  Oops! I mean Pete :)
  
  0 · April 7, 2013
Maria

I'm running about 10 minutes late. See you all soon..

0 · April 7, 2013
A former member

looking forward to the next meetup :)

0 · April 5, 2013
Michael

Sadly will not be able to attend this one, hope it's a good meeting

0 · March 31, 2013