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The Routledge Guidebook to Descartes’ Meditations on First Philosophy

By Gary Hatfield

Series Editor: Anthony Gottlieb

To Be Published January 1st 2014 by Routledge – 416 pages

Series: The Routledge Guides to the Great Books

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  • Paperback: $27.95
    978-0-415-67276-4
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  • Hardback: $120.00
    978-0-415-67275-7
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Description

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.

Contents

Preface Part I: Overview and Synopsis 1. Descartes’ Project 2. Reading the Meditations Part II: The Arguments of the Six Meditations 3. Withdrawing the mind from the senses 4. Discovering the nature of mind 5. Truth, God and the circle 6. Judgement, error, and freedom 7. Matter, God, and the circle again 8. The natural world and the mind-body relation Part III: Beyond the Meditations 9. The new science: physics, physiology, and the passions 10. Legacy and contribution Appendix: Arguments, demonstrations, and logical form

Author Bio

Gary Hatfield is Adam Seybert Professor in Moral and Intellectual Philosophy at the University of Pennsylvania.

Name: The Routledge Guidebook to Descartes’ Meditations on First Philosophy (Paperback) – Routledge 
Description: By Gary HatfieldSeries Editor: Anthony Gottlieb. 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...
Categories: Introductory Philosophy, Descartes, Philosophy