The Selected Writings of Jan Patocka - (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Jan Patocka'scontribution to phenomenology and the philosophy of history mean that he is considered one of the most important philosophers of the 20th century. Yet, his writing is not widely available in English and the Anglophone world remains rather unfamiliar with his work. In this new book of essential Patocka texts, of which the majority have been translated from the original Czech for the first time, readers will experience a general introduction to the key tenets of his philosophy. This includes his thoughts on the relationship between philosophy and political engagement which strike at the heart of contemporary debates about freedom, political participation and responsibility and a truly pressing issue for modern Europe, what exactly constitutes a European identity? In this important collection, Patocka provides an original vision of the relationship between self, world, and history that will benefit students, philosophers and those who are interested in the ideals that underpin our democracies.

Review Quotes

For Patocka, - writes Erin Plunkett, in her introduction to The Selected Writings of Jan Patocka: Care for the Soul - philosophy is always an activity oriented toward the urgent question of how to live in the world with others". This long-awaited publication provides English readers with new, priceless materials to tackle this question. Following the evolution of Patocka's philosophical reflections, from his early texts to his phenomenological analyses and his writings on arts and culture, this book not only reveals the philosopher's erudition, but also sheds new light on his sophisticated worldview. Particular credit is due to the work of the translator which, given the difficulty of the texts, was commendable.

Francesco Tava, Associate Professor in Philosophy, UWE Bristol, UK

Jan Patocka's thinking has long exercised a subterranean influence on late 20th-century philosophers and intellectuals struggling with understanding the human condition in the modern world. With a unique blend of phenomenology, retrieval of Platonic and Aristotelian motifs, and Eastern European literary and philosophical sources, Patocka's writings are exceptional for both their originality and non-conformity with respect to established traditions of thought. This significant collection of Patocka's writings in English is sure to draw much needed attention to a philosopher whose commitment to 'care of the soul' and 'life in truth' -- the hallmarks of a philosophical life and the life of philosophy itself -- in an age where living in relation to the world in truth has become ever so precarious.

Nicolas De Warren, Associate Professor of Philosophy and Jewish Studies at the Pennsylvania State University, USA

About the Author

Jan Patocka (1907-77) was a Czech philosopher. He specialised in phenomenonology and the philosophy of history and his works include Plato and Europe, which was a collection of his lectures and Heretical Essays in the Philosophy of History.

Erin Plunkett is Senior Lecturer in Philosophy and Religious Studies at the University of Hertfordshire, UK. She is currently researching the ontology and ethics of possibility in Kierkegaard and Jan Patocka. Her research interests are phenomenology, post-Kantian philosophy, Kierkegaard and existentialism, and the work of Stanley Cavell.

Ivan Chvatík is Director of the Patocka Archive in Prague, Czech Republic, editor of the complete works of Patocka in Czech and German, and a former student of the philosopher.

Alex Zucker has translated Patocka's writings. He is an award-winning translator of Czech, and also works in editing and communications. From 2014 to 2016, he was co-chair of the Translation Committee at PEN America. He has translated Czech literature since 1987 and as August 2018, he has been a member of the Cedilla & Co. literary translators' collective.