PDF Meditations on First Philosophy Download
- Author: René Descartes
- Publisher:
- ISBN: 9780941736121
- Category : First philosophy
- Languages : en
- Pages : 0
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Descartes's Meditations on First Philosophy remains one of the most widely studied works of Western philosophy. This volume is a refreshed and updated edition of John Cottingham's bestselling 1996 edition, based on his translation in the acclaimed three-volume Cambridge edition of The Philosophical Writings of Descartes. It presents the complete text of Descartes's central metaphysical masterpiece, the Meditations, in clear, readable modern English, and it offers the reader additional material in a thematic abridgement of the Objections and Replies, providing a deeper understanding of how Descartes developed and clarified his arguments in response to critics. Cottingham also provides an updated introduction, together with a substantially revised bibliography, taking into account recent literature and developments in Descartes studies. The volume will be a vital resource for students reading the Meditations, as well as those studying Descartes and early modern philosophy.
Many other matters respecting the attributes of God and my own nature or mind remain for consideration; but I shall possibly on another occasion resume the investigation of these. Now (after first noting what must be done or avoided, in order to arrive at a knowledge of the truth) my principal task is to endeavour to emerge from the state of doubt into which I have these last days fallen, and to see whether nothing certain can be known regarding material things.
Is it possible to be certain of anything? If so, how? The father of modern philosophy and the founder of rational method in philosophical thought, René Descartes (1596–1650) sought the answers to these questions and in doing so, addressed the most important of methods of thinking and understanding truth. In Discourse on Method, he applies a scientific approach to philosophy that comprises four principles: to accept only what reason recognizes as "clear and distinct"; to analyze complex ideas by dividing them into smaller elements; to reconstruct the ideas; and to make accurate and complete enumerations of the data. His Meditations proceed according to this method, exploring the mind/body distinction, the nature of truth and error, the existence of God, and the essence of material things.
This volume presents the excellent and popular translation by Haldane and Ross of Descartes' Meditations on First Philosophy, an introduction by Stanley Tweyman which explores the relevance of Descartes' Regulae and his method of analysis in the Meditations, and six articles which indicate the diversity of scholarly opinion on the topic of method in Descartes' philosopy.
Embark on an intellectual journey with "A Discourse on Method" by René Descartes. This seminal work lays the foundation for modern philosophy, inviting readers to explore the principles of rational thought and the quest for knowledge. As Descartes boldly asserts, can we truly trust our senses, or is there a deeper method to understanding reality that we must uncover? In this groundbreaking discourse, Descartes outlines his revolutionary approach to philosophy, emphasizing the importance of doubt and analytical reasoning. Each section challenges conventional thinking, urging readers to question assumptions and seek clarity in their beliefs. Through Descartes' clear and methodical style, readers are introduced to key concepts such as the famous cogito—"I think, therefore I am." His exploration of the relationship between mind and body, as well as the nature of existence, continues to resonate in contemporary discussions of philosophy and science. Are you prepared to challenge your understanding of knowledge and existence with "A Discourse on Method"? Engage with a text that not only shaped the course of philosophical thought but also invites personal reflection on the nature of reality. Descartes' insights will inspire you to think critically and pursue truth with renewed vigor. Your opportunity to delve into the mind of a philosophical pioneer awaits. Will you embrace the journey of thought and discovery? Don’t miss the chance to own this transformative work. Purchase "A Discourse on Method" now, and let the brilliance of René Descartes guide your exploration of reason and existence!
This "guided tour" by Rene Descartes' Meditations is specifically designed for the philosophical novice. It actively engages students with Descartes' work through a variety of tasks that help them develop their critical thinking, reading, and writing skills.
This edition features reliable, accessible translations; useful editorial materials; and a straightforward presentation of the Objections and Replies, including the objections from Caterus, Arnauld, and Hobbes, accompanied by Descartes' replies, in their entirety. The letter serving as a reply to Gassendi--in which several of Descartes' associates present Gassendi's best arguments and Descartes' replies--conveys the highlights and important issues of their notoriously extended exchange. Roger Ariew's illuminating Introduction discusses the Meditations and the intellectual environment surrounding its reception.
Descartes's Meditations on First Philosophy, the fundamental and originating work of the modern era in Western philosophy, is presented here in Donald Cress's completely revised edition of his well-established translation, bringing this version even closer to Descartes's original, while maintaining its clear and accessible style.
René Descartes’s 1641 Meditations on First Philosophy is a cornerstone of the history of western thought. One of the most important philosophical texts ever written, it is also a masterclass in the art of critical thinking – specifically when it comes to reasoning and interpretation. Descartes sought to do nothing less than create a new foundation for the pursuit of knowledge – whether philosophical, scientific, or theological. To that end, he laid out a systematic programme that reinterpreted prior definitions of knowledge, and reasoned out a systematic means of obtaining, verifying, and building on existing human knowledge. To this end, Descartes created a definition of true knowledge as that which is based on things which cannot be called into doubt by radical scepticism. If, he suggests, we can find a belief that cannot be called into doubt, this will provide a solid foundation upon which we can build systematic reasoning. This ‘cartesian’ method, as it has come to be known, is a blueprint for reasoning that continues to shape the study of philosophy today: a careful weighing of possibilities, searching out solid ground and building on it step by step.