Twentieth Century French Philosophy

Bol Partner

* Addresses trends such as vitalism, neo-Kantianism, existentialism, Marxism and feminism * Presents concise biographies of the influential philosophers who shaped these movements, including entries on over ninety thinkers. To understand the evolution of recent French thought, both the philosophical debates and the figures behind them must be examined. This unique book addresses positions such as vitalism, neo-Kantianism, phenomenology, existentialism, Marxism, structuralism, and feminism, and provides concise biographies of the influential philosophers who shaped these movements, including entries on over 80 thinkers. The discussion and cross-referencing of ideas and figures, together with an appendix on the distinctive nature of French academic culture, provide readers with an unparalleled resource for coming to grips with recent French philosophy in a single engaging and concise text. This unique book addresses trends such as vitalism, neo-Kantianism, existentialism, Marxism and feminism, and provides concise biographies of the influential philosophers who shaped these movements, including entries on over ninety thinkers. Offers discussion and cross-referencing of ideas and figures Provides Appendix on the distinctive nature of French academic culture

Bol

Philosophy plays an integral role in French society, affecting its art, drama, politics, and culture. In this chronological survey, Eric Matthews traces the development French philosophy has taken in the twentieth century, from it roots in the thoughts of Descartes to key figures such as Bergson, Sartre, Merleau-Ponty, Foucault, Derrida, and the recent French Feminists. Since philosophy is intended to aspire to timeless, universal truths, what is so special about French twentieth-century philosophy? The focus of French philosophy upon the moral, literary, spiritual, and political have made the subject a core-element in the secondary-school curriculum, and an understanding of French philosophy allows for greater insight in to French literature, drama, cinema, visual arts, and politics. In this chronological survey, Eric Matthews offers some explanations for the enduring popularity of the subject and traces the developments which French philosophy has taken in the twentieth century, from it roots in the thoughts of Descartes to key figures such as Bergson, Sartre, Marcel, Merleau-Ponty, Foucault, Derrida, and the recent French Feminists.