The Philosophy of Gabriel Marcel – Mystery, Existence, and the Ethics of Being | The Library of Living Philosophers | Volume XVII, 1984 | Review, Analysis & Summary

The Philosophy of Gabriel Marcel, curated by Paul Arthur Schilpp and Lewis Edwin Hahn, is Volume XVII in the esteemed Library of Living Philosophers series, released in 1984. This compilation showcases the reflective, spiritually insightful, and existentially deep ideas of Gabriel Marcel (1889–1973)—a French thinker, playwright, and proponent of Christian existentialism.
Marcel's philosophical approach, frequently juxtaposed with that of Jean-Paul Sartre, revolves around concepts such as existence, loyalty, hope, interpersonal connection, and the enigmatic nature of life. The volume features his philosophical autobiography, extracts from significant writings, critical essays by prominent scholars, and Marcel’s thorough responses—providing a distinctive perspective on his unique existential-humanistic vision.

Who Was Gabriel Marcel?

Gabriel Marcel was a French philosopher, playwright, music critic, and Christian intellectual. In contrast to his existentialist peers who concentrated on absurdity and isolation, Marcel prioritized faith, interconnectedness, and active participation. His version of existentialism is profoundly relational and spiritual, often termed as "Christian existentialism" or "personalism. "
Marcel dismissed simplistic rationalism and detached concepts, instead concentrating on human experience, enigma, and the essence of being. He famously differentiated between:

• Challenges (which can be addressed intellectually)
• Enigmas (which must be experienced and lived)

His prominent philosophical texts encompass:

• Being and Having (1935)
• The Mystery of Being (2 volumes, 1951)
• Homo Viator (1951)
• Creative Fidelity (1964)

Contents of the Volume

This LLP publication adheres to the classic four-part framework, presenting readers with a comprehensive engagement with Marcel’s philosophy:

1. Philosophical Autobiography

In this deeply reflective and poetic narrative, Marcel recounts his intellectual journey—from initial agnosticism and musical inclinations to his embrace of Catholicism and the formation of a theistic existentialism. He articulates his resistance to materialism, totalitarianism, and nihilism, reaffirming his dedication to hope, presence, and transcendence.

2. Selections from Marcel’s Writings

The curated excerpts encompass Marcel’s insights regarding:

• The enigma of being and human existence
• Interpersonal connections and the 'Thou'
• Hope, loyalty, and faith
• The differentiation between being and having
• Embodied and incarnate experience
• The spiritual aspect of human existence

These selections illustrate a philosophy of participation rather than detachment—one that emphasizes ethical responsibility and relational integrity.

3. Critical Essays

Notable philosophers and theologians contribute critical and interpretative essays exploring central themes in Marcel’s thought. Contributors include:

• James Collins – discussing Marcel’s existential methodology
• Charles Hartshorne – addressing being and the divine
• Lewis Edwin Hahn, Patrick Bourgeois, Kenneth T. Gallagher, and others

The themes covered involve:

• The friction between existentialism and Christian philosophy
• Marcel’s opposition to Sartre’s atheistic existentialism
• Ontological versus analytical methodologies
• Marcel’s defense of the individual against reductionist ideologies
• His impact on philosophy, theology, and ethics

4. Marcel’s Responses to Critics

In his characteristic respectful dialogue, Marcel engages with each contributor, providing clarification, elaboration, and thoughtful advocacy for his ideas. His replies shed light on his intellectual modesty and dedication to truth-seeking as a collective, spiritual pursuit.

Key Themes in Marcel’s Philosophy

1. Being vs. Having

One of the fundamental distinctions made by Marcel is between being, which pertains to presence, relationship, and mystery, and having, which involves possession, objectification, and control. He contends that contemporary culture is primarily characterized by “having,” resulting in feelings of alienation.

2. Mystery and Problem

Marcel effectively differentiates between a problem, which is external, solvable, and theoretical, and a mystery, which is lived, immersive, and cannot be objectified. Concepts such as self, love, and death qualify as mysteries rather than problems.

3. The Thou and Interpersonal Presence

A key element in Marcel’s philosophy is the interaction with the “Other”—not viewed as an object, but as a Thou, a presence that invites hospitality, fidelity, and openness. He underscores the significance of genuine dialogue and mutual presence.

4. Hope and Faith

Marcel characterizes hope as the counter to despair and nihilism. Rather than a passive form of optimism, it represents an active and brave approach grounded in trust and transcendence. Hope is crucial for fidelity in love, ethical life, and faith in religion.

5. Christian Existentialism

Though he distanced himself from the label “Christian existentialist,” Marcel merged existential concerns with Christian metaphysical ideas, placing an emphasis on incarnation, grace, and mystery. His spiritual philosophy opposes both atheism and rigid rationalism.

Why This Volume Matters

The Philosophy of Gabriel Marcel is significant for:

• Students engaged in existentialism, phenomenology, and theology.
• Scholars focused on interpersonal ethics and the metaphysics of presence.
• Philosophers investigating non-reductive ways to understand human experience.
• Readers looking for an existential perspective different from Sartre or Camus.

This volume stands out as one of the most intimate and spiritually rich contributions to the Library of Living Philosophers, providing a unique insight into the essence of a thinker who regarded philosophy as a moral and existential calling.