Abstract

In this important and original book, Johann Michel paves the way for a greater understanding of Paul Ricoeur's philosophy by exploring it in relation to some major figures of contemporary French thought—Bourdieu, Derrida, Deleuze, Foucault and Castoriadis.

Although the fertile dialogue between Ricoeur and various structuralist thinkers is well documented, his position in relation to the post-structuralist movement is less-widely understood. Does Ricoeur's philosophy stand in opposition to post-structuralism in France or, on the contrary, is it in fact a unique variation of that movement? This book defends the latter statement. Michel speaks of post-structuralisms in the plural form and engages them in a dynamic confrontation between Ricoeur and his contemporaries in the French intellectual scene. The result is a better understanding of Ricoeur's thought and also of the distinctive issues that emerge through confrontation between Ricoeur and each of these post-structuralist thinkers.
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.
Charles Reagan, Author, Paul Ricoeur - His Life and His Work
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.
George H. Taylor, Professor of Law, University of Pittsburgh
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.
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.