ABSTRACT

This book sets out a new reading of the much-neglected philosophy of Karl Jaspers. By questioning the common perception of Jaspers either as a proponent of irrationalist cultural philosophy or as an early, peripheral disciple of Martin Heidegger, it re-establishes him as a central figure in modern European philosophy.
Giving particular consideration to his position in epistemological, metaphysical and political debate, the author argues that Jaspers's work deserves renewed consideration in a number of important discussions, particularly in hermeneutics, anthropological reflections on religion, the critique of idealism, and debates on the end of metaphysics.

chapter |15 pages

Introduction

chapter 1|15 pages

Jaspers' philosophy

The basic terms

chapter 2|24 pages

Jaspers and Kant

The ideas of existence

chapter 3|19 pages

Jaspers and Weber

Transcendent responsibilities

chapter 4|14 pages

Jaspers, Dilthey and Simmel

Experience and history

chapter 5|31 pages

Jaspers and Heidegger

The anthropologies of existence

chapter 6|49 pages

Theology or anthropology?

Jaspers, religion and the revealed law

chapter 7|40 pages

Republican existence

Jaspers and post-war politics

chapter |12 pages

Conclusion