19th-century French philosophy

19th-century French philosophy was marked by exploration of individual freedom, human nature, and society. Thinkers like René Descartes laid groundwork for rational thought, while later philosophers such as Jean-Paul Sartre and Albert Camus examined existentialism—the idea that individuals create meaning in an indifferent universe. Auguste Comte developed positivism, emphasizing scientific knowledge, and Alfred Jarry and Baudelaire challenged traditional aesthetics. This era also saw engagement with political upheavals, influencing ideas about democracy and morality. Overall, 19th-century French philosophy combined rigorous inquiry with a focus on human experience and societal change.