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Gabriel
Marcel
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 The
Philosophy of Existentialism by Gabriel
Marcel
An important work within the realm of 20th
century philosophy. Marcel critiques the existentialism of
Sartre, pointing out the many paradoxes and pitfalls, and then
offers his own theories on ontology, metaphysics, ethics, and
even psychology. It is immediately apparent that Marcel's work
is daringly original, and is free from the many shortcomings
found within the works of more "academic"
philosophers. An independent scholar and dramatist, Marcel often
considered his thought "neo-socratic." Never speaking
from the pulpit of authority, but joining us in true
intellectual (even spiritual) inquiry, Marcel is a philosopher's
philosopher. It is unfortunate that Marcel was frequently
dismissed as dogmatic, and it is equally as unfortunate that he
seldom understood the small plot of common ground he shared with
Sartre. In affirming human freedom and responsibility, along
with recognizing the fragility and disquietude of human
existence, both Gabriel and Jean-Paul had a common vision.
Marcel's idea of problem and mystery, in addition to his
insights on dualism are essential concepts for anyone seeking to
understand 20th century thought. This book serves as a fine
introduction..
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This site has information about some increasingly rare texts
of Marcel, and information on how to join the Marcel Society. (The information is in both
French and English)
Excerpt:
Gabriel Marcel (1889-1973) Paris, France was a
Dramatist-Philosopher of international renown. Many of his thirty plays
were staged in major theaters of Europe, produced by university theater
groups, and broadcast by radio as well. Marcel authored as many
philosophic works, and was a lecturer sought after by audiences around the
world. He was a visiting scholar at the University of Aberdeen in Scotland
1951-1952, and at Harvard University in the United States 1961-62. In 1952
he was elected a member of the Institute of France, to serve in its
Academy of Social and Political Sciences. He lived at the heart of the
cultural, intellectual, political and social developments of the twentieth
century, and, his correspondence reveals the respect shown him by people
from all stations and walks of life....
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Essay by John Barich, subtitled: "Atomic Age and Mass
Death...twin scourges of the 20th century." To understand what
Marcel means by the expression "ontological mystery" it is necessary to
understand his view of reality. Marcel sees reality as existing on two levels which he
calls the world of the problematical and the world of the ontological mystery. For Marcel,
the world of the problematical is the domain of science, of rational inquiry, of technical
control. The real is defined by what the mind can formulate into a problem, solve, and
contain in a formula. Reality is merely the sum-total of its parts. In the world of the
problematical, human beings are viewed as objects, as statistics, as cases. They are
defined in terms of their vital functions, (i.e., biological) and their social functions;
the individual is considered merely a biological machine performing various social
functions. There is nothing unique about me. There is nothing more to my identity than the
biological processes which keep me alive, the type of job I hold, and the number of
possessions I acquire. I am my functions. Marcel further notes that the ontological need,
the need for imbue one's life in transcendental meaning, is stifled and suppressed,
ignored and denied. |
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