Simon Critchley, "The Faith of the Faithless: Experiments in Political Theology" (Verso, 2014)

In 'Being and Time', Heidegger delves into the fundamental question of what it means to 'be'. The book is divided into two main divisions: the first analyzes the existentials of Dasein, or 'being-in-the-world', while the second grounds these existentials in temporality. Heidegger introduces key concepts such as 'Dasein', 'Being-with', and the three temporal ecstases (having-been, present, and to-come), emphasizing that Dasein's existence is essentially futural and characterized by its possibilities and projects. The work challenges traditional philosophical notions of subject and object, instead positing that Dasein is inseparable from its world and historical context[2][4][5].

In 'The Social Contract', Jean-Jacques Rousseau outlines a theory of government where the legitimacy of political authority stems from the consent of the governed. The book begins with the famous line 'Man is born free, but he is everywhere in chains,' highlighting the tension between natural freedom and the constraints of societal laws. Rousseau argues that a legitimate state is formed when citizens enter into a social contract, surrendering some of their natural rights in exchange for civil rights and the protection of the general will. The general will, a collective idea of the common good, is central to Rousseau's theory, and he advocates for a system where the people, as the sovereign, make decisions directly and where laws ensure liberty and equality. The work has been influential in shaping modern political thought and has played a significant role in the French Revolution and the development of democratic principles[2][3][5].

The Will to Power is a compilation of Friedrich Nietzsche's notes and fragments, edited and published posthumously by his sister Elisabeth Förster-Nietzsche and others. The book is based on Nietzsche's intention to write a comprehensive work titled 'The Will to Power, An Attempt at a Revaluation of All Values.' It explores his central philosophical concept of the 'will to power,' which he believed was the fundamental driving force in all living beings. The work delves into various aspects of human life, including morality, art, science, and metaphysics, and critiques traditional values and morality. Despite not being a completed work by Nietzsche himself, it remains a key component of his philosophical legacy[3][5][4].

Emmanuel Levinas's "Totality and Infinity" is a major work in phenomenology and ethics. It challenges traditional ethical frameworks, arguing that ethics precedes ontology and is grounded in the encounter with the Other. Levinas introduces the concept of the face, emphasizing the ethical responsibility we have towards the Other's absolute singularity. The book explores the relationship between ethics, responsibility, and infinity, rejecting the totalizing tendencies of Western philosophy. Levinas's work has had a profound impact on contemporary ethical thought, influencing discussions about alterity, responsibility, and the limits of reason.

A philosophical work challenging conventional wisdom about human nature, morality, and the relationship between humans and the natural world.

The book is divided into four parts. The first part addresses the world as representation, the second details the world as will, the third discusses art and beauty as the only way to transcend the painful human condition, and the fourth discusses ethics and the ascetic ideal. Schopenhauer argues that the will is the underlying reality of the world, beyond mere appearances, and that it is characterized by ceaseless striving and suffering.

In 'The Pursuit of the Millennium', Norman Cohn examines the rise and fall of various millenarian cults and movements during the Middle Ages. The book covers topics such as the Brethren of the Free Spirit, flagellants, the Anabaptists, and the Ranters, and discusses their roles in historical events like the Crusades and the takeover of Münster by John of Leiden. Cohn also draws parallels between these medieval movements and later totalitarian ideologies, such as Nazism and Soviet communism, highlighting the recurring themes of millenarian expectation and social upheaval[1][2][3].

The letters of Paul the Apostle are foundational texts in the New Testament, providing insights into early Christian theology and practices. They include Romans, Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Thessalonians, Timothy, Titus, Philemon, and Hebrews (though authorship of Hebrews is debated). These letters address various theological and practical issues faced by early Christian communities.