Descartes: The Great Philosophers

by John Cottingham

Book Overview

In this new introduction to the life, thought and works of one of the greatest seventeenth-century philosophers, John Cottingham aims to place Descartes' ideas in their historical context while at the... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0415923859
• ISBN13: 9780415923859
• Release Date: July 1999
• Publisher: Routledge
• Length: 64 Pages
• Weight: 0.15 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.2" x 4.3" x 7.0"

Customer Reviews

Not the Descartes of the philosophy text- book

This work does not approach Descartes in the usual way: i.e. by showing his place in the Western philosophical tradition, and especially showing how the modern age in Thought began with his cogito. It tries instead to give a more complete picture of Descartes interests and activities, with focus on his mathematical physics, and scientific work. There is also a brief telling of the life of Descartes who Sorrell believes was less isolated than he is usually made out to be. There is one painful detail. Descartes said that the greatest sorrow of his life was the loss when she was only five of his out-of- wedlock daughter. Descartes religious faith is also discussed. The suggestion however is that of all his work it is the famous 'I think therefore I am' which is most responsible for his continuing fame.

An excellent book to get to know Descartes

It is a really easy-to-read book. People who just start to be interested in Philosophy will not find this book intimadating or overwhelming. The author also points out and explains the "errors" of Descartes's thinking. An excellent book to be added to your collection.