Synopses & Reviews
Michel de Montaigne (1533-92) is the author of a rich and varied philosophical and literary output which was influential in his lifetime and has continued to capture the attention of thinkers up to the present day. He made important philosophical contributions to ethics and scepticism, and his Essais had a significant impact on literary form. This volume brings together newly commissioned chapters on the full range of his work, and considers his relationship to his time and his lasting influence on other thinkers. New readers will find this the most convenient, accessible guide to Montaigne currently available. Advanced students and specialists will find a conspectus of recent developments in the interpretation of Montaigne.
Review
As befits the Cambridge Companion series, the sweep of this book's 11 clearly written chapters is impressive, embracing Montaigne's religious, political, judicial, and ethical thought, the latter being understood in Aristotle's sense of the search for the good life. The writing is accessible to the generalist while also helpful to the specialist. A chronology of Montaigne's life, a good bibliography, and a substantial index make this a valuable reference tool.
Choice
Review
"readers of Early Modern philosophy will greatly benefit from the insights fathered in this book." Zahi Zalloua, Whitman College
Synopsis
Michel de Montaigne (1533-1592) is known for his innovative method of philosophical inquiry which mixes the anecdotal and the personal with serious critiques of human knowledge, politics and the law. His rejection of fanaticism and cruelty and his admiration for the civilizations of the New World mark him as a predecessor of modern notions of tolerance and acceptance of otherness. An international team of contributors explores the range of his philosophy and also examines the social and intellectual contexts in which his thought was expressed.
Synopsis
Michel de Montaigne (1533-1592) is known for his innovative method of philosophical inquiry which mixes the anecdotal and the personal with serious critiques of human knowledge, politics and the law. His rejection of fanaticism and cruelty and his admiration for the civilizations of the New World mark him as a predecessor of modern notions of tolerance and acceptance of otherness. An international team of contributors explores the range of his philosophy and also examines the social and intellectual contexts in which his thought was expressed.
Synopsis
This volume explores the range of Montaigne's philosophy and its social and intellectual contexts.
About the Author
Ullrich Langer is Professor of French and Senior Fellow, Institute for Research in the Humanities at the University of Wisconsin, Madison.
Table of Contents
List of contributors; Acknowledgements; Note on the text; Chronology; 1. Introduction Ullrich Langer; 2. Montaigne's political and religious context Ullrich Langer; 3. Montaigne's legacy Warren Boutcher; 4. Montaigne and antiquity: fancies and grotesques John O'Brien; 5. The Essays and the New World Tom Conley; 6. Justice and the law: on the reverse side of the Essays André Tournon; 7. Montaigne and the notion of prudence Francis Goyet; 8. Montaigne and the truth of the schools Ian Maclean; 9. The investigation of nature George Hoffmann; 10. Montaigne and scepticism Ann Hartle; 11. Montaigne on moral philosophy and the good life J. B. Schneewind; Bibliography; Index.