Critique de la Raison Dialectique [Book Review]

Ever since the publication of L'Etre et le Néant in 1942, the intellectual world has awaited the promised publication of Sartre's ethics and political philosophy. During this period Sartre became deeply involved in politics and has moved closer to the Communist line. Now we have this massive volume which is designed to pave the way toward a reconciliation of Existentialism and Marxism. In a manner reminiscent of Hegel, Sartre traces the dialectical passage from the individual through the series --"a plurality of solitudes"---to the dynamic group. Throughout, Sartre's psychological insight is evident, but the attempted union of Existentialism and Marxism seems both desperate and forced.--R. J. B.