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 Patocka's 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 Patocka's work and clarifies its connections with phenomenology, history of philosophy, politics and dissidence. The Risk of Freedom retraces Patocka's 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.


About the Author:

Francesco Tava is a Postdoctoral Scholar at the Husserl-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.


About the Translator:

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.

Foreword

Note to the English Translation

Key Abbreviations

1. The Call of Freedom

2. Risk and Shelter

3. The Non-Evidence of Reality

4. Movement, World, History

5.The Praxis of Dissent

Bibliography

Index