Jonathan Rée

In this engaging discussion, philosopher Jonathan Rée shares insights on Søren Kierkegaard's 'Fear and Trembling', revealing its exploration of faith through the gripping tale of Abraham and Isaac. Rée delves into the stark power of this biblical narrative, cautioning against over-interpretation. He also highlights Kierkegaard's unique pseudonymous style and the text's paradoxes surrounding faith. The conversation further connects Kierkegaard’s themes with the works of Dostoevsky and Kafka, inviting listeners to reflect on the complexities of belief.

Jean-Paul Sartre, the celebrated existentialist philosopher, is brought to life through the insights of Jonathan Rée, an author and philosopher, along with host Thomas Jones. They explore Sartre's formation of consciousness against the backdrop of WWII and his encounters with contemporaries like Proust. The discussion also navigates the vibrant cultural resistance in occupied Paris, the challenges of translating Sartre's ideas, and the lasting influence of his seminal work, 'Being and Nothingness', on modern thought.

Raymond Geuss, a political philosopher from Cambridge, Esther Leslie, a political aesthetics expert from Birkbeck, and Jonathan Rée, a freelance historian, delve into the Frankfurt School's profound impact on culture and capitalism. They explore how this group critiqued the complacency of society in the face of economic despair, emphasizing culture's role in shaping political awareness. The migration of these thinkers to America offers a stark contrast between rich European heritage and consumerism, while their critiques remain relevant in today's media landscape, influencing contemporary student movements.