Twentieth–Century French Philosophy: Key Themes and 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.

Preface. Chronology. Part I. 1. The Early Decades. 2. Phenomenology on the Way to Existentialism. 3. Existentialism and its Other. 4. Structuralism and the Challenge to Philosophy. 5. After Structuralism. 6. Conclusion. Part II. Key Biographies in Brief. Appendix 1: Understanding French Academic Culture. Appendix 2: Bibliography of French Philosophy in English Translation. Works Cited and Consulted. Index.

Alan D. Schrift is Professor of Philosophy and Director of the Grinnell College Center for the Humanities. He is the author of Nietzsche and the Question of Interpretation: Between Hermeneutics and Deconstruction (1990), Nietzsche′s French Legacy: A Genealogy of Poststructuralism (1995), Modernity and the Problem of Evil (2005), and the editor of six collections of essays, including The Logic of Gift: Toward an Ethic of Generosity (1997).

"Schrift has written a book that is a gift to both scholars and students. This volume should be a required textbook in every course in Continental philosophy. Highly recommended." Choice<!––end––> "This is an astonishing book, a must–read for anyone interested not only in twentieth–century French philosophy, but also in the academic situation in France that produced, among others, Derrida, Deleuze, and Foucault." ––Leonard Lawlor, University of Memphis "A most welcome addition to the literature on twentieth–century French philosophy, and will prove to be an invaluable guide to students and scholars alike. Written in a lucid and instructive manner, it features material and information little known to English–speaking readers but vital for full appreciation of French thought. The book is essential reading for anyone involved in the subject." –– Keith Ansell Pearson, University of Warwick “A clear and thorough account … also introduce[s] the reader to some lesser–known influences … .A historical reference work, but is also much more.” Continental Philosophy Review