With his writings on phenomenology, psychoanalysis, Marxism, ideology, and religion, Paul Ricoeur has single-handedly redefined and revitalized the hermeneutic tradition. From Text to Action is an essential companion to the now classic The Conflict of Interpretations. Here, Ricoeur continues and extends his project of constructing a general theory of interpretation, positioning his work in relation to its own philosophical background: Hegel, Husserl, Gadamer, and Weber. He also responds to contemporary figures like K.O. Apel and Jürgen Habermas, connecting his own theorization of ideology to their version of ideology critique.

Paul Ricoeur (1913-2005) is the author of numerous books, including History and Truth, The Conflict of Interpretations, From Text to Action, Freedom and Nature, and Husserl. These five titles are being reissued by Northwestern University Press with new forewords.

Kathleen Blamey has taught philosophy at California State University, Hayward, and the American University in Paris.

John B. Thompson is a professor of sociology at the University of Cambridge.

Richard Kearney is the Charles Seelig Professor in Philosophy at Boston College.