Abstract

The volume contains a variety of materials written by Marcel prior to World War I, along with a short address delivered in Frankfort in 1964 on the occasion of the presentation to Marcel of the "Peace Prize" of the Börsenverein des deutschen Buchhandels. The subject of the address is peace, and the role of the philosopher with respect to this and other social questions. The earlier writings show influences from post-Kantian idealism and most especially from Bradley. The most noteworthy selections are those concerning the idea of absolute knowledge, the problem of immortality, and a "sketch" of a theory of "participation." At this time, Marcel had not yet become acquainted with the works of Kierkegaard, but his thought shows at times a shift away from idealism. Marcel's philosophical style is bound by traditional categories and doctrines, but shows tendencies towards the freer approach of his mature works.—A. W. W.