The New Kierkegaard

Book excerpt: Placing Kierkegaard squarely within the current of contemporary continental philosophy, The New Kierkegaard reveals intriguing insights into the philosopher's work and thinking. By reading Kierkegaard deconstructively, the 13 lively essays in this volume seek a deeper understanding of his work in philosophy, religion, and aesthetics. These readings explore the breadth of Kierkegaard's thought and unfold the richness of his views on the human condition. Consideration of a broad range of themes—from irony and madness to love and experience—and texts—Either/Or, Philosophical Fragments, Works of Love, and Fear and Trembling—emphasizes the ambiguities, dialectical tensions, and open-endedness of Kierkegaard's philosophical writings. These innovative and original commentaries give Kierkegaard a fresh look and bring him into present-day discussions and debates in continental philosophy. Contributors are Jacob Bøggild, John D. Caputo, Mark Dooley, Joakim Garff, Robert Gibbs, Elsebet Jegstrup, Richard Kearney, John Llewelyn, Roger Poole, Vanessa Rumble, John Vignaux Smyth, Jason Wirth, and David Wood.