Existentialism is not a unified doctrine or belief in any conventional sense. It breaks ranks with all previous philosophy, unsettles orthodox religion, and questions the supremacy of science. However, the question it poses is of fundamental importance to us all: What on earth am I to make of my existence? In this lively and provocative new introduction to Existentialism, the author challenges the reader to take part in a series of "thought experiments" in order to illuminate what it means to approach the question of our being human existentially. Throughout, he emphasizes our need to face in good faith the consequences of what one is being. He also looks at existentialism’s encounters with Islam, Freud, feminism, race, and the notion of progress.