ABSTRACT
Descartes is widely regarded to be the father of modern philosophy and his Meditations is among the most important philosophical texts ever written. The Routledge Guidebook to Descartes’ Meditations introduces the major themes in Descartes’ great book and acts as a companion for reading this key work, examining:
- The context of Descartes’ work and the background to his writing
- Each separate part of the text in relation to its goals, meanings and impact
- The reception the book received when first seen by the world
- The relevance of Descartes’ work to modern philosophy, it’s legacy and influence
With further reading included throughout, this text follows Descartes’ original work closely, making it essential reading for all students of philosophy, and all those wishing to get to grips with this classic work.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
part |70 pages
Overview and Synopsis
chapter |37 pages
Descartes' Project
chapter |31 pages
Reading the Meditations
part |218 pages
The Arguments of the Six Meditations
chapter |31 pages
Withdrawing the Mind from the Senses
chapter |42 pages
Discovering the Nature of Mind
chapter |45 pages
Truth, God, and the Circle
chapter |20 pages
Judgment, Error, and Freedom
chapter |34 pages
Matter, God, and the Circle Again
chapter |44 pages
The Natural World and the Mind–Body Relation
part |57 pages
Beyond the Meditations