Félix Ravaisson

With the publication of this volume, the availability of Ravaisson's highly original writing is vastly expanded for readers of English. In fact, some of the essays included have been scarce, little-known, or difficult to obtain even in the original French editions (i.e. expensive and fragile) … By reintroducing Ravaisson in such a grand collection, this publication may even rekindle interest in certain lost concepts: the spirit, grace, and artistic beauty. The book may also assist in a renewed conversation among the fields of philology, art history, philosophy, and the history of religions. * Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews *
Mark Sinclair has made a comprehensive selection of material from the writings of this important but neglected 19th century French philosopher. The selection spans the years 1838 to 1901 and provides insight into the impressive range of Ravaisson’s interests, including the path-breaking study of habit and thought-provoking essays on Stoicism, on the art of drawing, on religion, on Pascal, and on the relation between metaphysics and morals. Sometimes said to be the ‘French Schelling’ Ravaisson emerges as a tremendously erudite and original thinker in this volume, which should serve to reawaken interest in his work and its legacy in vitally important ways. The volume greatly enriches our understanding of seminal developments in modern French philosophy and it will appeal to a broad readership in the humanities and social sciences. * Keith Ansell-Pearson, Professor of Philosophy, University of Warwick, UK *
Research on 19th century French philosophy will no doubt be transformed with the publication of this comprehensive selection of Ravaisson’s work. Mark Sinclair and his team of translators have done a fantastic job in bringing these essays into English, and the extensive editorial apparatus makes a rigorous and cogent case for Ravaisson’s significance and legacy. Historians of philosophy should be overjoyed to now have this resource at their disposal. * Daniel Whistler, Senior Lecturer of Philosophy, University of Liverpool, UK *
Félix Ravaisson was among the most important and influential philosophers in France in the 19th century. This timely volume fills a significant gap in 19th century philosophical scholarship by presenting English translations, most for the first time, including his brilliant doctoral thesis Of Habit as well as essays on art and art history, archaeology, pedagogy, and the history of religions. * Alan D. Schrift, F. Wendell Miller Professor of Philosophy, Grinnell College, USA *