Meditations and Other Metaphysical Writings
Product ID: 76755521
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One of the foundation-stones of modern philosophy, René Descartes' Meditations and Other Metaphysical Writings is translated from the Latin with an introduction by Desmond M. Clarke in Penguin Classics. Descartes was prepared to go to any lengths in his search for certainty - even to deny those things that seemed most self-evident. In his Meditations of 1641, and in the Objections and Replies that were included with the original publication, he set out to dismantle and then reconstruct the idea of the individual self and its existence. In doing so, Descartes developed a language of subjectivity that has lasted to this day, and he also took his first steps towards the view that would eventually be expressed in the epigram Cogito, ergo sum ('I think, therefore I am'), one of modern philosophy's most famous - and most fiercely contested - claims. The first part of a two-volume edition of Descartes' works in Penguin Classics, the second of which is Discourse on Method & Related Writings , this edition includes extensive selections from the Objections and Replies , Part One of The Principles of Philosophy , Comments on a Certain Manifesto and related correspondence from 1643 to 1649. René Descartes (1596-1650), generally regarded as the founder of modern philosophy, was born in La Haye (now called Descartes) near Tours, and educated at the Jesuit College of La Fleche. Like many of his contemporaries he contested the value of an education based on Aristotelianism and, after leaving college, attempted to resolve the sceptical crisis of his age by devising a method of reasoning modelled on the rigour and certainty of mathematics. If you enjoyed the Meditations , you might like Immanuel Kant's Critique of Pure Reason , also available in Penguin Classics. Review: Go for it - I'd say this is one of the two initial books for philosophy, the other one being Descartes's Principles of philosophy. Very important book, highly recommand. My package came somewhat damaged though, but it was fine. Review: Descartian - Great book and cover plus fine reading pages.
| Customer Reviews | 4.5 out of 5 stars 271 Reviews |
H**R
Go for it
I'd say this is one of the two initial books for philosophy, the other one being Descartes's Principles of philosophy. Very important book, highly recommand. My package came somewhat damaged though, but it was fine.
M**N
Descartian
Great book and cover plus fine reading pages.
K**I
Four Stars
it's a vary nice book to get some knowladge
P**R
Four Stars
A very difficult book not for novels reader
V**Y
Excellent resource!
Excellent resource!
N**N
Stunning, complex and simple — all simultaneously
This is the part of his writing in which Descartes changed the philosophy of knowledge forever when he wrote: 'This alone cannot be detached from me. I am, I exist; that is certain.' And, as well as being a mathematical and philosophical genius, he was also a wonderful writer with an easy (and even amusing) style who could explain his complex thoughts to the rest of us. He comes across as a likeable guy. It has to be said, though, that his thoughts are so innovative that readers need to work out examples as they go along in order to ensure that they understand exactly what he means. This helped me with some work I was undertaking at the time of reading, as I was trying to explain the nature of thought and was able to use his distinctions between 'understanding, willing and imagining but even sensing'. Intense, beautiful, stunning, demanding.
T**Y
The book
This book came nice and quick. There was nothing wrong I could say with the delivery. I could also say the same about the book. This was a very good book that I am very happy with, thank you.
S**P
Present
Husband requested this book. It’s too “brain/nerd alert” for me but he loved it and read it in no time.
E**E
Can't imagine anybody would want to read this for the sheer joy. For those wondering what on earth they're about ...
Ah Descartes- otherwise known as my HELL to study. Nothing wrong with the books appearance though apart from a bit on "bending" in the post. Can't imagine anybody would want to read this for the sheer joy. For those wondering what on earth they're about to study - old, catholic male locks himself in a room for a supposed few days reflecting on the sources of his beliefs.Challenges the idea for the existence of God, doesn't want to get executed for heresy, compromises and "proves" the existence of God. Lots of fancy sounding waffle.
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