Judgement and Sense in Modern French Philosophy: A New Reading of Six Thinkers

Henry Somers-Hall argues that the central unifying aspect of works by Sartre, Foucault, Merleau-Ponty, Deleuze, and Derrida is their attempt to provide an account of cognition that does not reduce thinking to judgment. He shows that each philosopher is in dialogue with the others in a shared project to overcome their inheritances from the Kantian and post-Kantian traditions, resulting in an important account of the emergence and coherence of the modern French philosophical tradition.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 276 pages
Publication date: 25 April 2024
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

This book offers a groundbreaking reinterpretation of the evolution of twentieth-century French philosophy. Henry Somers-Hall contends that a common thread runs through the works of philosophers such as Sartre, Foucault, Merleau-Ponty, Deleuze, and Derrida, who strive to present a cognitive account that does not diminish thinking to judgment. Somers-Hall demonstrates that these philosophers engage in a collaborative endeavor, albeit with distinct approaches, to transcend the legacies of Kantian and post-Kantian traditions. Through his insightful analysis, he highlights the enduring influence of German idealism, particularly Kant, on contemporary French philosophy. This results in a significant account of the emergence and coherent development of the modern French philosophical tradition.

Introduction:
In the annals of philosophical discourse, the twentieth century stands as a pivotal era, marked by profound transformations and innovative thinking. Among the many philosophical movements that emerged during this time, French philosophy played a significant role, with thinkers like Sartre, Foucault, Merleau-Ponty, Deleuze, and Derrida leaving an indelible mark on the field. This book aims to explore a radical new reading of the development of twentieth-century French philosophy, focusing on the central theme of cognition and its relationship to judgment.

Henry Somers-Hall's Argument:
Henry Somers-Hall, a renowned scholar in the field, argues that the central unifying aspect of the works of these philosophers is their attempt to provide an account of cognition that does not reduce thinking to judgment. He contends that each philosopher engages in a dialogue with the others, albeit with different executions, in a shared project to overcome their inheritances from the Kantian and post-Kantian traditions. Somers-Hall's analysis reveals that these philosophers are deeply indebted to Kantian thought, employing novel readings of various aspects of their philosophies to demonstrate their profound connections to Kantian philosophy.

The Relevance of German Idealism:
One of the striking findings of Somers-Hall's analysis is the continued relevance of German idealism, particularly Kant, to modern French philosophy. He demonstrates how these philosophers engage with and reinterpret Kant's ideas, offering fresh perspectives on his concepts and arguments. Somers-Hall's readings of Kantian thought shed light on the deep debts that contemporary French philosophy owes to Kantian philosophy, highlighting the enduring influence of his ideas on the development of French thought.

The Emergence and Coherence of the Modern French Philosophical Tradition:
Through his meticulous research and insightful interpretation, Somers-Hall presents an important account of the emergence and essential coherence of the modern French philosophical tradition. He shows how the works of these philosophers are interconnected, forming a rich tapestry of ideas that contribute to the development of contemporary philosophical discourse. The book offers a comprehensive exploration of the philosophical landscape of twentieth-century France, providing readers with a deeper understanding of the complex and multifaceted nature of French philosophy.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this book offers a groundbreaking reinterpretation of the development of twentieth-century French philosophy. Henry Somers-Hall's argument that the central unifying aspect of these philosophers' works is their attempt to provide an account of cognition that does not reduce thinking to judgment is compelling and insightful. His analysis of the relevance of German idealism, particularly Kant, to modern French philosophy is illuminating and sheds new light on the enduring influence of Kantian thought on the development of French philosophy. The book's comprehensive exploration of the modern French philosophical tradition provides readers with a deeper understanding of the complex and multifaceted nature of French philosophy. This book is a valuable resource for scholars, students, and anyone interested in the study of twentieth-century philosophy.

Weight: 406g
Dimension: 150 x 228 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781009048637