French Philosophy Today: New Figures of the Human in Badiou, Meillassoux, Malabou, Serres and Latour

This comparative, critical analysis highlights the promises and perils of new French philosophy's reformulation of the concept of the human.

Format: Hardback
Length: 448 pages
Publication date: 31 December 2017
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

This comparative, critical analysis explores the promises and perils of new French philosophy's reformulation of the concept of the human. It examines the works of influential thinkers such as Alain Badiou, Quentin Meillassoux, Catherine Malabou, Michel Serres, and Bruno Latour, who have significantly contributed to this philosophical movement.

Badiou, known for his philosophical rigor and political engagement, offers a complex and multifaceted understanding of the human. He emphasizes the importance of subjectivity and the creative power of the individual, while also challenging traditional notions of truth and morality. Meillassoux, on the other hand, takes a more speculative approach, exploring the relationship between consciousness and the physical world. He questions the existence of an underlying reality and proposes that the human is a product of language and imagination.

Malabou, a renowned feminist philosopher, examines the intersection of politics, culture, and the body. She argues that the human is not a fixed entity but rather a dynamic and fluid construct shaped by social and historical processes. Serres, a philosopher of science, explores the relationship between humans and technology, questioning the extent to which technology has transformed our understanding of the world. Latour, a sociologist, emphasizes the role of networks and interdependence in shaping the human experience.

Through their diverse perspectives, these thinkers offer a rich and nuanced exploration of the human condition. They challenge traditional notions of individualism and agency, emphasizing the complex and interrelated nature of the human experience. However, they also raise important ethical and political questions about the responsibilities and limitations of human power and knowledge.

In conclusion, this comparative, critical analysis provides a valuable insight into the promises and perils of new French philosophy's reformulation of the concept of the human. It highlights the diverse and innovative thinking of these influential thinkers, who have contributed to shaping our understanding of the human in the 21st century.

Weight: 426g
Dimension: 157 x 233 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474425834