André Comte-Sponville
Encyclopedia
André Comte-Sponville is a French
philosopher born in Paris
, France. He studied in the École Normale Supérieure
, and is aggregated
in philosophy
. He is a proponent of atheism
and materialism
, but in a particular form, because of his spiritualistic
aim.
The most important aspect of his work is an overcoming of traditional materialistic atheism in a perspective of post-materialism
, because he demonstrates a spiritualization of atheism. This is especially present in his essay L'Esprit de l'athéisme, published in 2006.
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
philosopher born in Paris
Paris
Paris is the capital and largest city in France, situated on the river Seine, in northern France, at the heart of the Île-de-France region...
, France. He studied in the École Normale Supérieure
École Normale Supérieure
The École normale supérieure is one of the most prestigious French grandes écoles...
, and is aggregated
Agrégation
In France, the agrégation is a civil service competitive examination for some positions in the public education system. The laureates are known as agrégés...
in philosophy
Philosophy
Philosophy is the study of general and fundamental problems, such as those connected with existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language. Philosophy is distinguished from other ways of addressing such problems by its critical, generally systematic approach and its reliance on rational...
. He is a proponent of atheism
Atheism
Atheism is, in a broad sense, the rejection of belief in the existence of deities. In a narrower sense, atheism is specifically the position that there are no deities...
and materialism
Materialism
In philosophy, the theory of materialism holds that the only thing that exists is matter; that all things are composed of material and all phenomena are the result of material interactions. In other words, matter is the only substance...
, but in a particular form, because of his spiritualistic
Spirituality
Spirituality can refer to an ultimate or an alleged immaterial reality; an inner path enabling a person to discover the essence of his/her being; or the “deepest values and meanings by which people live.” Spiritual practices, including meditation, prayer and contemplation, are intended to develop...
aim.
The most important aspect of his work is an overcoming of traditional materialistic atheism in a perspective of post-materialism
Post-materialism
The concept of post-materialism is a tool in developing an understanding of modern culture. It can be considered in reference of three distinct concepts of materialism...
, because he demonstrates a spiritualization of atheism. This is especially present in his essay L'Esprit de l'athéisme, published in 2006.
Other works
- "Le Bonheur - Visions Occidentale Et Chinoise", A three CD spoken word audio conference and discussion with Francois Julien, 2007.