Descartes

A bold and insightful departure from related texts, Descartes goes beyond the categorical associations placed on the philosopher’s ideas, and explores the subtleties of his beliefs. Examining Descartes’ life and work, this book includes a broad range of his most scrutinized philosophical thought, including his contributions to logic, philosophy of the mind, epistemology, metaphysics, the philosophy of science, and the philosophy of religion. Additionally, themes often left unexamined are addressed, bringing new perspectives on one of philosophy’s most studied and most influential figures. Written in an elegant and compelling manner that echoes Descartes’ own writing, Gombay presents the reader with an accessible but challenging text that offers a strong background and new insights into Descartes’ life and work.

Preface. 1. Life and Writings. 2. Distrust and Deception. 3. Me and Others. 4. Me and my Maker. 5. Deception and Rights. 6. Idealization. 7. Really Distinct... 8. Self–esteem. Notes. Bibliography. Index.

André Gombay has been chief editor of the Œuvres complètes de René Descartes on CD ROM, and has written on seventeenth–century philosophers. He has taught in Canada, Europe, and Uganda.

“A remarkably fresh, graceful, and learned tour through a Cartesian landscape it reveals as at once familiar and new, this limpidly clear and thoughtful book is a must not only for students of Descartes but for anyone who wants to see what the fuss was (and is) about.” Calvin Normore, UCLA “A wonderfully lucid and unconventional tour of the Meditations that engages the reader in its most famous arguments and intriguing thoughts. It makes the work come alive for the novice while challenging scholars with new and surprising vistas and problems.” Lilli Alanen, University of Uppsala, Sweden “Refreshingly different from the standard introduction to Descartes. Gombay wears his extensive learning lightly. His direct and personal approach makes the famous Cartesian themes really come alive.” Annette Baier, University of Pittsburgh Emeritus