The Idea of Beginning in Jules Lequier's Philosophy

Jules Lequier's philosophy analyzes the work of an author mostly unknown in Anglophone countries, who greatly influenced the trajectory of French philosophy over the last two centuries. He established a postulate of freedom against necessity and set out a program to make oneself. Ghislain Deslandes explores parallels between the "classical" antiphilosophers Pascal and Kierkegaard and Lequier, whose importance to French philosophy is today better documented and more widely recognized.

Format: Hardback
Length: 150 pages
Publication date: 15 January 2023
Publisher: Lexington Books

The Idea of Beginning in Jules Lequier's Philosophy delves into the profound and influential work of an author largely overlooked in Anglophone countries, yet whose impact on French philosophy has been significant over the past two centuries. In his seminal text, The Search for a First Truth, Jules Lequier posits that embarking on this quest is the ultimate objective of philosophy. To achieve this, he establishes a fundamental postulate: the concept of freedom against necessity. This postulate serves as the guiding principle of his program, which he presents as an initial gesture: "TO MAKE, not to become, but to make, and, in making, TO MAKE ONESELF."

By embracing the boundless possibilities of beginnings, Lequier's approach is characterized by its primacy and radicality. As Ghislain Deslandes reveals in this comprehensive exploration of Lequier's work, there is indeed a realm of new possibilities within philosophy, and it is even conceivable to invent it in other fields by applying the principle of everything being relearned and restarted, yet in different truths. Deslandes delves into fascinating parallels between the "classical" antiphilosophers Pascal and Kierkegaard, as well as Lequier, whose significance to French philosophy is now more widely documented and recognized.

Through his profound insights and innovative ideas, Jules Lequier has left an indelible mark on the philosophical landscape, challenging traditional paradigms and inspiring a renewed exploration of the human condition. His legacy continues to resonate, fostering intellectual discourse and pushing the boundaries of knowledge.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781666927207