"French thought" refers to a diverse range of philosophical ideas and movements that have emerged in France, particularly from the 20th century onward. It encompasses various schools of thought, including existentialism, structuralism, and post-structuralism, often focusing on themes like identity, language, and power. Key figures include Jean-Paul Sartre, Michel Foucault, and Jacques Derrida. This intellectual tradition is characterized by its emphasis on critical analysis and questioning established norms. French thought often challenges traditional philosophical concepts, exploring how social and cultural contexts shape human experience. It has significantly influenced fields such as literary theory, sociology, and political science.