Since philosophy is intended to aspire to timeless, universal truths, what is so special about French twentieth-century philosophy? The focus of French philosophy upon the moral, literary, spiritual, and political have made the subject a core-element in the secondary-school curriculum, and an understanding of French philosophy allows for greater insight in to French literature, drama, cinema, visual arts, and politics.

In this chronological survey, Eric Matthews offers some explanations for the enduring popularity of the subject and traces the developments which French philosophy has taken in the twentieth century, from it roots in the thoughts of Descartes to key figures such as Bergson, Sartre, Marcel, Merleau-Ponty, Foucault, Derrida, and the recent French Feminists.