Being and Event Alain Badiou Being and Event is the centerpiece of Alain Badiou's oeuvre; it is the work that grounds his reputation as one of France's most original philosophers. Long-awaited in translation, Being and Event makes available to an English speaking readership Badoiu's groundbreaking work on set theory - the cornerstone of his whole philosophy. This book makes the scope and aim of Badiou's whole philosophical project clear, enabling full comprehension of Badiou's significance for contemporary philosophy. In Being and Event, Badiou anchors this project by recasting the European philosophical tradition form Plato onwards, via a series of analyses such key figures as Descartes, Spinoza, Leibniz, Hegel, Rosseau, and Lacan. He thus develops the basis for a history of philosophy rivaling those of Heidegger and Deleuze in its depth. The wide-ranging book is organized in a precise and novel manner, reflecting the philosophical rigour of Badiou's thought. Unlike many contemporary Continental philosophers, Badiou - who is also a novelist and dramatist - writes lucidly and cogently, making his work accessible and engaging. This English language edition includes a new preface, written especially for this translation. Being and Event is essential reading for Badiou's considerable following and anyone interested in contemporary Continental philosophy. Alain Badiou is one of France's most important contemporary philosophers. He teaches at the Ecole Normale Supe'rieure and the Colle'ge International de Philosophie in Paris.