Overview

Oppression and the Human Condition is both a valuable teaching tool and an insightful addition to scholarship on the philosophy of Jean-Paul Sartre. Students and teachers will find it an excellent and accessible introduction to Sartre's existentialism, ideal for courses in existentialist and 20th century philosophy. Equally, Sartre scholars will find that the book, especially the sections on oppression and ""bad faith,"" gives them much to think about. Author Thomas Martin applies Sartre's philosophy to contemporary issues and concerns, and draws on two case studies to make his point. The cases examine modern-day oppressors—in one case an anti-semite, in the other a sexist who objectifies women—in the context of Sartre's ""bad faith."" The case studies also reinforce Martin's argument that Sartre's early philosophy, especially his concept of ""bad faith,"" provides a framework for discussions of oppressions such as racism and sexism.

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9780742513242

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Reviews

Martin's lucid and compelling study of oppression is set apart from other accounts by a focus on the oppressor and an emphasis on individual responsibility. His case study of modern day sexism shows the value of a Sartrean approach for understanding gender oppression. -- Julien S. Murphy, University of Southern Maine Tom Martin, writing in contexts marked by colonial legacies of racism and economic dependence, offers here one of the clearest statements on Sartre's philosophy and its importance for our continued efforts to forge a humane world. This is, indeed, one of the very best books on the subject for both scholars and lay readers. -- Lewis R. Gordon, Professor of Philosophy and Africana Studies, University of Connecticut In a nuanced reading of Sartre's early writings that is fresh and convincing, Tom Martin argues that the anti-Semitic racist and the sexist are engaged in bad faith flights from the situated freedom of the human condition. Martin demonstrates that the early as well as the later Sartre is important to those who are interested in understanding the structures and dynamics of repression and persecution. -- Debra Bergoffen, George Mason University

One of the clearest statements on Sartre's philosophy and its importance for our continued efforts to forge a humane world. This is, indeed, one of the very best books on the subject for both scholars and lay readers.

Author Information

Thomas Martin is lecturer in philosophy at Rhodes University in South Africa.

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