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

This book offers a novel interpretation of the development of twentieth-century French philosophy, highlighting the common project of philosophers such as Sartre, Foucault, Merleau-Ponty, Deleuze, and Derrida to provide an account of cognition that goes beyond judgment. It demonstrates the influence of German idealism, particularly Kant, on these philosophers and their debt to Kantian thought.

Format: Hardback
Length: 270 pages
Publication date: 23 June 2022
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. The development of French philosophy during this time was no exception, with philosophers like Sartre, Foucault, Merleau-Ponty, Deleuze, and Derrida leaving an indelible mark on the philosophical landscape. These thinkers, known for their radical and often controversial ideas, challenged traditional notions of knowledge, consciousness, and the nature of reality.

The Central Theme:
At the heart of their philosophical endeavors, these philosophers sought to provide an account of cognition that did not reduce thinking to judgment. They recognized the limitations of traditional approaches that sought to explain human thought solely in terms of logical reasoning and empirical observation. Instead, they embarked on a quest to explore the deeper dimensions of human cognition, including the role of emotions, intuition, and subjective experience.

Dialogues and Collaborations:
One of the most striking features of their work is the extent to which they engaged in dialogue with each other. Despite their diverse backgrounds and philosophical orientations, these philosophers shared a common project: to transcend the limitations imposed by their predecessors. They sought to forge new paths and develop novel interpretations of philosophical concepts and theories.

The Influence of German Idealism:
Somers-Hall's analysis reveals the profound influence of German idealism, particularly Kant, on the development of twentieth-century French philosophy. He shows how these philosophers drew upon Kant's ideas to develop their own unique perspectives on cognition. For instance, Sartre's concept of "existentialism" is rooted in Kant's notion of the "categorical imperative," which emphasizes the importance of acting based on moral principles rather than mere self-interest.

Novel Readings of Philosophical Concepts:
Through his detailed analysis, Somers-Hall offers novel readings of many aspects of the philosophies under consideration. He demonstrates how these philosophers drew upon and reinterpreted Kantian thought to address contemporary philosophical challenges. For example, Foucault's concept of "discipline" is seen as a response to Kant's notion of the "autonomous subject," which posits that individuals are capable of governing themselves through rational deliberation.

The Emergence of the Modern French Philosophical Tradition:
The result of these dialogues and collaborations is an important account of the emergence and essential coherence of the modern French philosophical tradition. Somers-Hall's book sheds light on the complex web of ideas that shaped this tradition, highlighting the contributions of each philosopher while also pointing out their differences and disagreements.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this book offers a groundbreaking reinterpretation of the development of twentieth-century French philosophy. Through his insightful analysis and compelling arguments, Somers-Hall demonstrates the enduring relevance of German idealism, particularly Kant, to contemporary French philosophy. He provides a valuable contribution to our understanding of the complex and multifaceted nature of this philosophical tradition.

Weight: 543g
ISBN-13: 9781316517901