French Spiritualism and Metaphysics

By revealing the philosophical richness of French spiritualism, this book offers a deeper understanding of the history of Continental philosophy.

By revealing the philosophical richness of French spiritualism, this book bridges a gap in the understanding of late modern philosophy and, more specifically, within philosophical history of the Continental tradition

The contributors to this volume argue that French spiritualism—within the Continental tradition of philosophy and in tension with some of its most recognized voices—is deeply in favour of metaphysics. Against all abstract metaphysics of the concept, French spiritualism expresses a positive sensibility that insists upon a metaphysical experience of being in the original unity of thought and being. Thus, on the historical front, this book argues for the resourcing of late modern and contemporary philosophy by bringing to visibility a forgotten tradition that opens fresh speculative possibilities of renewal within philosophy. On the speculative front, it demonstrates the specific doctrines and philosophical method of French spiritualism in the renewal of the question of being beyond the alternatives of an ontotheology, abstract idealisms, mere empirical positivism, and a mathematical ontology. In this project of a new quest of being, the very meaning of the task of philosophy is itself transformed.

The featured essays discuss defining figures of French spiritualism to highlight the historical importance and philosophical richness of their thought within the continuity of various trajectories within Continental philosophy (Biran, Cousin, Ravaisson, Lachelier, and Bergson). Other essays examine various philosophical themes of French Spiritualism in dialogue with currents within Continental and contemporary philosophy (spiritualism and phenomenology, spiritualism and psychoanalysis, spiritualism and existentialism, spiritualism and mysticism).