424 Pages
by Routledge

424 Pages
by Routledge

424 Pages
by Routledge

René Descartes (1596–1650) is well-known for his introspective turn away from sensible bodies and toward non-sensory ideas of mind, body, and God. Such a turn is appropriate, Descartes supposes, but only once in the course of life, and only to arrive at a more accurate picture of reality that we then incorporate in everyday embodied life. In this clear and engaging book David Cunning... Read more

Chronology

1. Introduction: The Very Big Picture

2. Life and Works

3. The Limits of Our Metaphysical Tether

4. Skepticism

5. Arguments for the Existence of God

6. Human Freedom

7. Immaterial Minds

8. External Bodies and Sufficient Certainty for Application to Ordinary Life

9. How Best to Live

10. Conclusion.

Glossary

Bibliography

Index

Biography

David Cunning is Professor of Philosophy at the University of Iowa, USA.

'Cunning’s Descartes is at once accessible, scholarly, and offers important insights into underappreciated aspects of Descartes’ thought. This exceptional book upends the traditional interpretation of Descartes as a deeply committed "rationalist" philosopher by offering a reinterpretation of Descartes’ philosophical work grounded in his very human commitments to living well in light of his philosophical principles. Essential reading for anyone interested in Descartes.' - Kristopher G. Phillips, Southern Utah University, USA