Lucid Mind, Intrepid Spirit

This volume of essays explores the bases and significant aspects of the thought of contemporary French philosopher, historian of ideas, and novelist Chantal Delsol. A member of the French Academy of Moral and Political Sciences, she is well known in France as a political analyst and cultural diagnostician. This collection is the first book-length treatment of her thought available in English, bringing together studies that analyze her work. In between, essays present her remarkable portrait of human beings increasingly characteristic of Western societies, as well as her defense of the human person rightly understood. An exposition of the virtues of her conception of the family, as well as her analysis of contemporary “matriarchy,” complements those treatments. The authors highlight her unique mode of cultural analysis, together with her stout defense of genuine political life. The volume also includes translations of two chapters of her fundamental work of philosophical anthropology, Qu’est-ce que l’homme?, appearing here for the first time in English. A thoughtful examination of Delsol’s work, this book provides new resources to those studying this French philosopher and author.

“Chantal Delsol's description of the human condition challenges both proponents of relativism and defenders of 'human nature.' Those concerned with the challenges of late modernity would do well to grapple with her sensitive portrait of universal human experience. Hers is a courageous, hopeful vision that will strike many readers as, quite simply, true. Lucid Mind, Intrepid Spirit is invaluable as an introduction and guide to the thought of Delsol.”

A splendid introduction to the thought of Chantal Delsol, one of the most distinctive and independent thinkers in France today. This volume brings to light her analysis of the human condition in all its drama and nuance. Hall and Seaton have arranged a good marriage, combining a sample of Delsol's writings with incisive commentaries on some of the main themes of her work. Chapeau bas! -- Daniel DiSalvo, The City College of New York
Chantal Delsol’s description of the human condition challenges both proponents of relativism and defenders of 'human nature.' Those concerned with the challenges of late modernity would do well to grapple with her sensitive portrait of universal human experience. Hers is a courageous, hopeful vision that will strike many readers as, quite simply, true. Lucid Mind, Intrepid Spirit is invaluable as an introduction and guide to the thought of Delsol. -- Sara Henary, Wake Forest University

Paul Seaton is associate professor of philosophy at St. Mary’s Seminary & University in Baltimore, MD.Lauren K. Hall is assistant professor of political science at Rochester Institute of Technology.

This volume of essays explores the bases and significant aspects of the thought of contemporary French philosopher, historian of ideas, and novelist Chantal Delsol. A member of the French Academy of Moral and Political Sciences, she is well known in France as a political analyst and cultural diagnostician. This collection is the first book-length treatment of her thought available in English, bringing together studies that analyze her work. In between, essays present her remarkable portrait of human beings increasingly characteristic of Western societies, as well as her defense of the human person rightly understood. An exposition of the virtues of her conception of the family, as well as her analysis of contemporary "matriarchy," complements those treatments. The authors highlight her unique mode of cultural analysis, together with her stout defense of genuine political life. The volume also includes translations of two chapters of her fundamental work of philosophical anthropology, Qu'est-ce que l'homme?, appearing here for the first time in English. A thoughtful examination of Delsol's work, this book provides new resources to those studying this French philosopher and author.

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