The Philosophy of Merleau-Ponty - Softcover

Matthews, Eric

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1902683528 ISBN 13: 9781902683522

Publisher: Routledge, 2002

Synopsis

In this introduction to the life and thought of one of the most important French thinkers of the twentieth-century Eric Matthews shows how Merleau-Ponty has contributed to current debates in philosophy, such as the nature of consciousness, the relation between biology and personality, the historical understanding of human thought and society, and many others. Surveying the whole range of Merleau-Ponty's thinking, the author examines his views about the nature of phenomenology and the primacy of perception; his account of human embodiment, being-in-the-world, and his understanding of human behaviour; his conception of the self and its relation to other selves; and, his views on society, politics, and the arts. A final chapter considers his later thought, published posthumously. The ideas of Merleau-Ponty are shown to be of immense importance to the development of French philosophy and the author evaluates his distinctive contributions and relates his thought to that of his predecessors, contemporaries and successors, both in France and elsewhere. This unrivalled introduction will be welcomed by philosophers and cognitive scientists as well as students taking courses in contemporary continental philosophy.

About this title

Product Description:

Maurice Merleau-Ponty (1908-61) is one of the most important French thinkers of the 20th century. His account of being-in-the-world is relevant to our contemporary discussions of such issues as the nature of consciousness, the relation between biology and human personality, the historical understanding of human thought and society, and many others. Eric Matthews provides a comprehensive account of Merleau-Ponty's thought and shows how his ideas and arguments contribute to current debates in philosophy. Surveying the whole range of Merleau-Ponty's thinking, the book examines his views about the nature of phenomenology and the primacy of perception; his account of human embodiment and the understanding of human behaviour; his conception of the self and its relation to other selves; and his views on society, politics, and the arts. A final chapter considers his later thought, which was published posthumously. The author evaluates Merleau-Ponty's distinctive contribution to philosophy and relates his thought to that of his predecessors, contemporaries and successors, both in France, and elsewhere.

Review:

"Excellent ... I have yet to read such a good introduction to Merleau-Ponty's philosophy." Mind "covers the whole range of Merleau-Ponty's writing, and presents his thinking sympathetically but in a relatively jargon-free manner ... this is a very worthwhile addition to the philosophical literature on Merleau-Ponty." Journal of the British Society for Phenomenology "A straightforward introduction, amongst the best of its kind: clear, systematic, accurate and with useful suggestions on how Merleau-Ponty might be compared with other thinkers with whom readers may be more familiar." - Jonathan Ree "clearly written and avoids the jargon that often characterises the discussion of phenomenological philosophy. It covers the full range of Merleau-Ponty's thought and shows a thorough understanding of continental philosophy in the latter half of the twentieth century. It should be required reading for anyone interested in French philosophy." - David Stewart, Ohio University

About this edition

• Publisher: Routledge
• Publication date: 2002
• ISBN 10: 1902683528
• ISBN 13: 9781902683522
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 192