The Existentialist Salon #2

In the Existentialist Salon we will read Sarah Bakewell’s At The Existentialist Cafe, a delightful, accessible but nonetheless very solid introduction to the philosophical and historical dimensions of existentialism. Thus, we will encounter Jean Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir sipping apricot cocktails and wishing for a more relevant form of philosophy. We will understand the need for and meaning of existentialism, especially as we remember and reflect on the experience of war and occupation, and consider how it forces us to think about personal and political choices.

Along the way we will become acquainted with the main ideas of Husserl and Heidegger, the founding ‘fathers’ of existentialism, and discuss Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir. We will also discuss the ideas of Merleau-Ponty the dashing, dancing philosopher, whose work is so relevant for existentialist therapies and for a discussion of artificial intelligence.

In a separate additional study, for those who so wish, we will read a short story by Sartre, The Wall, which encapsulates in literary form the fundamental themes of existentialism. 

JOINING DETAILS:

• Six-week live online study led by Emilia Steuerman
• Mondays, 6.00-8.00 pm (GMT), 19 January to 23 February 2026
• As the basis of this study we will read Sarah Bakewell’s At The Existentialist Cafe, ISBN-13: 978-0099554882
• £210 for six meetings, including opening notes and resources
• Participants will be given priority in booking the optional additional study session focusing on Jean Paul Sartre’s story The Wall (Monday 2 March. 6.00-8.00 pm).