Existential Selves: Freedom, Chaos and the Search for Meaning

Author:   Susie Scott ,  James Hardie-Bick
Publisher:   Springer Nature Switzerland AG
ISBN:  

9783032113375


Pages:   242
Publication Date:   21 February 2026
Format:   Hardback
Availability:   Not yet available   Availability explained
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Existential Selves: Freedom, Chaos and the Search for Meaning


Overview

This volume draws on existentialist ideas from philosophy, psychology and sociology to explore some intriguing questions. How do good people commit evil deeds? Which parts of our selves do we try to hide from others – and from ourselves? How do we find a balance between routine predictability and chaotic despair? What excuses do we make to avoid taking responsibility for our (in)actions? Focusing on Yalom's four 'givens' of the human condition - death, freedom, isolation and meaninglessness - the authors examine these existential themes in relation to wide-ranging topics. The chapters include case studies from the world of  skydiving, women and transgender pro-wrestlers, suicide bombers, sexual subjectivity, utopias and dystopias, psychoanalysis, technology and progress, power and love. As such, the book will be a useful resource for scholars and students from a range of humanities and social science disciplines.

Full Product Details

Author:   Susie Scott ,  James Hardie-Bick
Publisher:   Springer Nature Switzerland AG
Imprint:   Palgrave Macmillan
ISBN:  

9783032113375


ISBN 10:   3032113377
Pages:   242
Publication Date:   21 February 2026
Audience:   College/higher education ,  Professional and scholarly ,  Tertiary & Higher Education ,  Professional & Vocational
Format:   Hardback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   Not yet available   Availability explained
This item is yet to be released. You can pre-order this item and we will dispatch it to you upon its release.

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Author Information

Susie Scott is Professor of Sociology at the University of Sussex, UK. Her research interests include micro-sociological theory, Goffman, symbolic interactionism, self-identity, emotions and mental health. James Hardie-Bick is Associate Professor in Sociology and Criminology at the University of Sussex, UK. His research interests include social theory, self-identity, violence and transgression.

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