Introduction

This chapter introduces readers to the background of the book, comments by other contemporary writers about shame, as well as the historical depth and the contemporary relevance of the subject. These pages outline the book’s objective, describe the phenomenological method to be followed in reaching it, and explain the various sources of evidence to be analyzed. In addition, certain key words commonly used in doing phenomenology are explained. The central philosopher at issue is Maurice Merleau-Ponty, though supplemented by others such as Jean-Paul Sartre, Martin Heidegger, Paul Ricoeur, and Max Scheler. Finally, the chapter provides a brief synopsis of the plan of the book.