Jean Wahl Books

May 25, 1888 – June 18, 1974

Jean Wahl was a French philosopher known for his unconventional approach and for introducing Hegelian thought to France in the 1930s. Initially influenced by Bergson and American pluralists, he became a pivotal figure in French intellectual life, notably through his championing of Kierkegaard's work. His writings, often controversial, influenced a generation of key thinkers, including Gilles Deleuze and Emmanuel Levinas. Wahl eschewed systematization, favoring philosophical innovation and the concrete, earning him a reputation as an anti-systematic philosopher. Beyond his academic career, he also fostered intellectual exchange through initiatives in the United States and post-war France, establishing influential centers for non-conformist thought.

Philosophies of Existence
An Introduction to the Basic Thought of Kierkegaard, Heidegger, Jaspers, Marcel, Sartre
136 pages
5 hours of reading
Focusing on Existentialism, this book delves into the philosophies of existence and the key thinkers who shaped this movement. It highlights how these philosophers sought to differentiate their ideas from other philosophical frameworks through unique structures and approaches. The analysis provides insights into the foundational concepts of Existentialism and its impact on philosophical thought.

Philosophies of Existence