Introduction To French Philosophy

By Buddhini Karunathilaka

Western philosophy which is the philosophical thought of the western world is divided into four main sections; Ancient, Medieval, Modern and Contemporary. Each period have done a great impact towards the development of western philosophical thought. There are clear link of influence of greek throughout the western philosophy because it was a highly intellectual period. However, when it comes to medieval philosophy, there was a suppression of thought. Going against the existed authoritative tradition and using reason as the source of knowledge is a huge achievement mainly by French philosopher Descartes. From there onwards French philosophers have contributed a lot to the development of philosophical thought. As in which Greek philosophers who lived there and written in Greek language are called as Greek philosophers, the philosophers who had used French language and had lived in France are called as French philosophy.

This book is a beginner's guide to French Philosophy. It has described the philosophical thoughts of various French philosophers in detail. Their thoughts have been analyzed in an uncomplicated way that will be more effective when communicating and understanding modern philosophy. Therefore, the philosophical views of the French philosophers, which are explained in this book, could guide anyone who needs to understand modern French philosophy and its basics.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Buddhini Karunathilaka
• Release date: Feb 28, 2021
• ISBN: 9781393523840

Buddhini Karunathilaka

Buddhini Karunathilaka is an academic writer, a freelance writer, an independent researcher, and a blogger. She has contributed to her discipline by doing more than thirty researches. She is a graduate of the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, and has specialized in Philosophy. She is currently reading for a Master of Philosophy degree in Philosophy.  Metaphysics, epistemology, political Philosophy, and Language philosophy are her favorite areas of research. 

Book preview

1.  Introduction

Western philosophy which is the philosophical thought of the western world is divided into four main sections; Ancient, Medieval, Modern and Contemporary. Each period have done a great impact towards the development of western philosophical thought. There are clear link of influence of greek throughout the western philosophy because it was a highly intellectual period. However, when it comes to medieval philosophy, there was a suppression of thought. Going against the existed authoritative tradition and using reason as the source of knowledge is a huge achievement mainly by French philosopher Descartes. From there onwards French philosophers have contributed a lot to the development of philosophical thought. As in which Greek philosophers who lived there and written in Greek language are called as Greek philosophers, the philosophers who had used French language and had lived in France are called as French philosophy.

This book is a beginner’s guide to French Philosophy. It has described the philosophical thoughts of various French philosophers in detail. Their thoughts have been analyzed in an uncomplicated way that will be more effective when communicating and understanding modern philosophy. Therefore, the philosophical views of the French philosophers, which are explained in this book, could guide anyone who needs to understand modern French philosophy and its basics.

2.  The Emergence of French Philosophy

Western philosophy can be classified into four periods; Greek, Medieval, Modern, and Contemporary period. When it comes to modern philosophy, France is considered as a turning point. The radical and brilliant mindset of the French philosophers and their influence is very important for the emergence of modern philosophy. French philosophy cannot be identified as a separate school of thought or a period in the development of philosophical context because ‘it is coincident with the sum of the discourses elaborated in France and considered by the public of today as philosophical’  (Descombes, 1973, p. 1).

The philosophy of French can be considered as a historical recounting of philosophical discussion, which took place in French language. The philosophers in ancient Greece were called as Greek Philosophers. Similarly, the philosophers who had used French language and had lived in France are called as French Philosophers. It can be stated that ‘French philosophy is the philosophy which is articulated in French, even when it is to state Greek, Latin, English or German thoughts in this language’ (Descombes, 1973, p. 1). French philosophy mainly covers positivism, existentialism, phenomenology, idealism, postmodernism etc. France, being a great initiator, has played a greater part in the evolution of modern philosophy. Although there were philosophers who contributed a lot to the development of philosophy, nowhere has there been such a continuous continuity of novel rational formation. Most of its resources, thoughts and the method itself had come from France. The distinctive features of French philosophical thinking and its influence have made the uniqueness of French philosophy.

It is commonly accepted the fact that Descartes is the father of modern western philosophy that makes him the first French philosopher to contribute to the development of western philosophical thought. However, French philosophy marks it beginning fifty years earlier with Michel de Montaigne. He was one of the significant contributors to the French Renaissance. Montaigne should be taken as the first person in French philosophy as Descartes Meditations first appeared in Latin whereas Essays were written in French. He was one of the most significant philosophers of the French renaissance. Montaigne focused on scepticism and fideism. However, there is another idea of this. It says that Descartes undertook to reply Montaigne’s Essays.

There were revolutionary thinkers during 18th century France. A number of remarkable representative figures were in France at that time. They inspired the common mass of France with their revolutionary ideas against injustice. They did not believe in the absolute right of the monarch and the doctrine of the doctrine of divine. Those ideas have spread among people through books and news papers. Scientists discovered laws that govern the world. Most of the philosophers began to ask whether it is possible to apply those natural laws to human beings. They used reason and logic rather than faith, religion, and superstition. They questioned the divine right of kings. These philosophers have played a great role bringing the French Revolution. French philosophers explained universal truths and their philosophy in simple terms which makes it more unique than other philosophical periods because they have made a revolutionary turn by going against the existed authoritative philosophical traditions. Therefore, it is clear that French Philosophy has done a great contribution towards the development of western philosophical thought.

3.  17TH Century French Philosophy

3.1 Descartes

Descartes was a French philosopher, scientist and a mathematician. He belongs to the 17 th century philosophical era. Method of doubt, subjectivity, momentum, Cogito ergo sum , Analytical geometry, Cartesian dualism, and Dream argument are some of his notable ideas. He was considered as the father of analytical geometry because he combined geometry and algebra. His works; Rules for the Direction of