Ricoeur and the Post-Structuralists

In this book, a world-leading Ricoeur scholar examines Ricoeur's philosophy in relation to other major figures in contemporary French philosophy including Bourdieu, Derrida, Deleuze, Foucault, and Castoriadis.

Johann Michel's superb, timely, and scholarly book addresses the whole body of Paul Ricoeur's hermeneutic philosophy … [I]t has much to offer anyone interested in contemporary post-structuralism, from the novice to the professional [and] offers a great deal to consider regarding the fundamental issues of philosophy on meaning, identity, ethics and justice, even (perhaps especially) for those who are unlikely to persuaded by its central contentions.

Publication of the translation of Johann Michel’s Ricoeur and the Post-Structuralists is a most welcome event. Michel is one of the most talented Ricoeur scholars writing today, and the present translation significantly extends the growing international discussion of Ricoeur and augments Michel’s own mounting international reputation. The book will be rewarding for those with knowledge already of Ricoeur, as it contextualizes and broadens the reach of Ricoeur’s themes by demonstrating points of comparison and contrast with the contemporary thought of Bourdieu, Castoriadis, Deleuze, Derrida, and Foucault. Michel’s treatment will also be enlightening for those more newly coming to Ricoeur in this volume through their prior study of the other figures Michel addresses.

This is one of the most important new books on the work of Paul Ricoeur. Johann Michel puts the main themes of Ricoeur's extensive writings in the context of his late 20th century colleagues, Bordieu, Derrida, Foucault, and Deleuze. Scott Davidson has done a masterful translation. This book is an outstanding and original contribution to the understanding of contemporary French philosophy.

Johann MIchel is a professor at the University of Poitiers and is affiliated with the EHESS (IMM) in Paris. He is a member of the scientific council of the Fonds Ricoeur and is a co-editor of the international journal Ricoeur Studies. He is also a member of the Institut Universitaire de France. He has published a number of books in French.

Scott Davidson is professor of philosophy at Oklahoma City University. He has previously translated MIchel Henry's Material Phenomenology, Seeing the Invisible, From Communism to Capitalism, and Barbarism, and Didier Franck's Flesh and Body.