Twentieth-Century French Philosophy - Paperback

by Eric Matthews (Author)

Philosophy plays an integral role in French society, affecting its art, drama, politics, and culture. In this accessible, chronological survey, Matthews offers some explanations for the enduring popularity of the subject and traces the developments that French philosophy has taken in the twentieth century, from its roots in the thoughts of Descartes to key figures such as Bergson, Sartre, Marcel, Merleau-Ponty, Foucault, Derrida, and the recent French Feminists.

Back Jacket

This book offers a historical and critical account of the works of some of the major French philosophers of the twentieth century. Avoiding jargon, Eric Matthews shows how the philosophical tradition derived from Descartes has developed in the present century in the writings of key figures such as Bergson, Sartre, Merleau-Ponty, Foucault, Derrida, and contemporary French feminists. He relates philosophy to the wider French culture, and draws parallels with English-language philosophers.

Author Biography

Eric Matthews is Head of the Philosophy Department at the University of Aberdeen.