John Sergeant, a Forgotten Critic of Descartes and Locke

By Norman C Bradish

"John Sergeant, a Forgotten Critic of Descartes and Locke" is a scholarly examination of the intellectual contributions of John Sergeant, a pivotal but often neglected figure in seventeenth-century philosophy. Norman C. Bradish offers a detailed analysis of Sergeant's rigorous opposition to the epistemological frameworks established by his contemporaries, Rene Descartes and John Locke. The work explores Sergeant's commitment to an Aristotelian-influenced realism, which he used to challenge the prevailing "way of ideas" and the representational theories of knowledge that dominated the early modern period.

Through a careful study of Sergeant's treatises, Bradish illustrates how this English philosopher attempted to bridge the gap between traditional scholastic logic and the emerging scientific rationalism of his time. This volume provides a critical look at the debates surrounding the nature of certainty and perception, highlighting Sergeant's unique position as an advocate for direct realism. It is an essential resource for students and scholars of the history of philosophy, offering a deeper understanding of the diverse intellectual landscape that shaped the Enlightenment. By restoring Sergeant to the historical narrative, the work enriches our perspective on the evolution of modern thought and the persistent questions of human knowledge.

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• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1025380096
• ISBN13: 9781025380094
• Release Date: February 2026
• Publisher: Tradd Street Press
• Length: 70 Pages
• Weight: 0.24 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.1" x 6.1" x 9.2"