In this clear and comprehensive account of Merleau-Ponty's thought Eric Matthews shows how Merleau-Ponty has contributed to current debates in philosophy, such as the nature of consciousness, the relation between biology and personality, the historical understanding of human thought and society, and many others. Surveying the whole range of Merleau-Ponty's thinking, Matthews examines his views about the nature of phenomenology and the primacy of perception; his account of human embodiment, being-in-the-world, and the understanding of human behaviour; his conception of the self and its relation to other selves; and his views on society, politics, and the arts. A final chapter considers his later thought, published posthumously. The ideas of Merleau-Ponty are of immensely important to the development of modern French philosophy. Matthews evaluates his distinctive contributions and relates his thought to that of his predecessors, contemporaries, and successors, both in France and elsewhere. This unrivalled introduction will be welcomed by analytic philosophers and cognitive scientists as well as all students taking courses in contemporary continental philosophy.

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"This work is clearly written and avoids the jargon that often characterizes the discussion of phenomenological philosophy. It covers the full range of Merleau-Ponty's thought and shows a thorough understanding of Continental philosophy in the latter half of the twentieth century. It should be required reading for anyone interested in French philosophy." David Stewart, Trustee Professor of Philosophy, Ohio University, author of Exploring Phenomenology: A Guide to the Field and its Literature -----
"A straightforward introduction, amongst the best of its kind: clear, systematic, accurate, and with useful suggestions on how Merleau-Ponty might be compared with other thinkers." Jonathan Rée, professor of philosophy, Middlesex University, and coeditor of The Kierkegaard Reader

"This work is clearly written and avoids the jargon that often characterizes the discussion of phenomenological philosophy. It covers the full range of Merleau-Ponty's thought and shows a thorough understanding of Continental philosophy in the latter half of the twentieth century. It should be required reading for anyone interested in French philosophy." David Stewart, Trustee Professor of Philosophy, Ohio University, author of Exploring Phenomenology: A Guide to the Field and its Literature ----- "A straightforward introduction, amongst the best of its kind: clear, systematic, accurate, and with useful suggestions on how Merleau-Ponty might be compared with other thinkers." Jonathan Rée, professor of philosophy, Middlesex University, and coeditor of The Kierkegaard Reader