Description: Either/Or is Kierkegaard's first major work and arguably his most virtuosic. It introduces many of the most important philosophical themes that define the rest of his authorship and showcases - through its several pseudonyms and genres - Kierkegaard's prodigious literary scope. In this Critical Guide, a diverse group of scholars strike new ground in our understanding of both this work, and Kierkegaard's authorship as a whole. Their essays highlight the text's philosophical range, with substantial discussions of issues in aesthetics, epistemology, ethics, metaphysics, phenomenology, and philosophy of religion. The volume will be essential reading for any person seeking to deepen their understanding of Either/Or and Kierkegaard's work more generally.
Brief description: Ryan S. Kemp is Associate Professor of Philosophy at Wheaton College, Illinois. He is the author of two books: Reason and Conversion in Kierkegaard and the German Idealists (2020) and Marilynne Robinson's Worldly Gospel (2023).
Review Quotes: '[An] excellent volume of essays that will result in at least a bit smoother time with 'Either/Or'. ... Both novices and experts will find this an important resource for understanding Kierkegaard. Recommended.' J. A. Simmons, CHOICE