The Risk of Freedom presents an in-depth analysis of the philosophy of Jan Patocka, one of the most influential Central European thinkers of the twentieth century, examining both the phenomenological and ethical-political aspects of his work. In particular, Francesco Tava takes an original approach to the problem of freedom, which represents a recurring theme in Patockas work, both in his early and later writings.
Freedom is conceived of as a difficult and dangerous experience. In his deep analysis of this particular problem, Tava identifies the authentic ethical content of Patockas work and clarifies its connections with phenomenology, history of philosophy, politics and dissidence. The Risk of Freedom retraces Patockas philosophical journey and elucidates its more problematic and less evident traits, such as his original ethical conception, his political ideals and his direct commitment as a dissident.
Francesco Tava is a Postdoctoral Scholar at theHusserl-Archives: Centre for Phenomenology and Continental Philosophy at the KU Leuven, Belgium. Since 2011 he has held several research fellowships at the Jan Patoc?ka Archive in Prague.
Jane Ledlie, the translator, holds an MA in Translation Studies from the University of Bristol and is a member of the Institute of Translation and Interpreting.
Jan Patocka has been recognized throughout the world for his dissidence and sacrifice as the spokesperson of Charta 77. Yet rarely has the profound rootedness of his political actions in his philosophy been articulated as lucidly as in this book. This is a welcome translation of a significant work on an uncommon and complex thinker of the contemporary human condition. James Dodd, Associate Professor of Philosophy, New School for Social Research, New York
Francesco Tava offers a strikingly fresh perspective on the thought of Czech philosopher and dissident, Jan Patocka. No longer can phenomenology be understood as unworldy or disengagedl³:
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