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joshknape's review
2.0
I have generally found the Philosophers in 90 Minutes series very informative, but this is the first volume in the series that failed for me. Reading it did not aid my understanding of Kierkegaard's philosophy, and I found my other source on Kierkegaard and theistic existentialism (The Universe Next Door, by James Sire) more illuminating.
The only thing I really learned from the book is that like many thinkers, Kierkegaard was tormented by psychological problems (stemming from a difficult relationship with his father, who was also troubled), and Kierkegaard's philosophy is heavily dependent on these psychological problems. Indeed, it appears to be an attempt, conscious or not, to work them out.
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3/22/17
I strongly suspect that one of the reasons I did not find this book very helpful is because author Paul Strathern does not have a particularly great understanding of Kierkegaard's philosophy or, more generally, theistic existentialism. Just because Strathern is a highly educated mathematics and philosophy professor doesn't necessarily mean he understands every philosophy equally well. Again, I believe James Sire "gets" theistic existentialism (not just Kierkegaard) much better or more thoroughly, with his even shorter evaluation of it. Reviewer John Martindale believes Strathern demonstrates a contempt for theism. I didn't notice that, but if true, it likely explains why I found that Strathern didn't display a deep understanding of Kierkegaard--he's too unable to relate intellectually.
The only thing I really learned from the book is that like many thinkers, Kierkegaard was tormented by psychological problems (stemming from a difficult relationship with his father, who was also troubled), and Kierkegaard's philosophy is heavily dependent on these psychological problems. Indeed, it appears to be an attempt, conscious or not, to work them out.
...
3/22/17
I strongly suspect that one of the reasons I did not find this book very helpful is because author Paul Strathern does not have a particularly great understanding of Kierkegaard's philosophy or, more generally, theistic existentialism. Just because Strathern is a highly educated mathematics and philosophy professor doesn't necessarily mean he understands every philosophy equally well. Again, I believe James Sire "gets" theistic existentialism (not just Kierkegaard) much better or more thoroughly, with his even shorter evaluation of it. Reviewer John Martindale believes Strathern demonstrates a contempt for theism. I didn't notice that, but if true, it likely explains why I found that Strathern didn't display a deep understanding of Kierkegaard--he's too unable to relate intellectually.
phillips26's review
3.0
Interesting, but really begs the question, Can you sum up anyone's life, let alone a philosopher's life and body of work in 90 minutes. The answer is no. I should have known that. This is probably great for a student trying to get the broad strokes, but doesn't give enough detail for what I was looking for.
My feelings are probably just because this was not written for me or my tastes.
My feelings are probably just because this was not written for me or my tastes.
grimondgalgmod's review
3.0
Fun way to reacquaint myself with Kierkegaard and learn some biographical details. Strathern's obnoxious asides had me rolling.
rick2's review
2.0
Couldn’t help but wanting to call Kierkegaard a “fancy boy“ at the end of this. Not a bad introduction to his personal life, wouldn’t take any of it as gospel regarding his actual philosophy.
kavinay's review
4.0
I knew Kierkegaard was odd but never realized how committed he was with to the emo-turned-edgelord life.
pizzamcpin3ppl3's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-paced
3.75
butterpoached's review
4.0
Coming from Strathern's book on Sartre, it is good to see that he is simply a bit of a curmudgeon, rather than personally biased against the Frenchman. This was an entertaining listen, and a good sketch of the life and times of someone whose work is frequently impenetrable. If you can stand the author forcibly inserting his views on philosophy into the story, it is a nice little book.
superracoon's review
My favorite review of this said "I don't think I'd have understood Kierkegaard even if the book had lasted an extra thirty minutes."
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