Synopsis
Meditations of First Philosophy is a philosophical work written by Rene Descartes, a French philosopher, mathematician, and scientist. The book is divided into six meditations, each of which explores different aspects of human knowledge and existence. In the first meditation, Descartes sets out to doubt all of his previous beliefs and knowledge, including the existence of the physical world and his own body, in order to arrive at certain knowledge. In the second meditation, he concludes that the only thing he can be certain of is his own existence, as he cannot doubt that he is thinking. In the third meditation, Descartes argues for the existence of God as the source of his clear and distinct ideas. He also introduces the concept of mind-body dualism, which posits that the mind and body are separate entities. The fourth meditation explores the nature of truth and error, while the fifth meditation discusses the possibility of knowledge of the external world. In the final meditation, Descartes reflects on the implications of his philosophical discoveries for his own life and for human knowledge in general. Overall, Meditations of First Philosophy is a foundational work of modern Western philosophy, and its ideas have had a profound impact on subsequent philosophical thought.Many other matters respecting the attributes of God and my own nature or mind remain for consideration; but I shall possibly on another occasion resume the investigation of these. Now (after first noting what must be done or avoided, in order to arrive at a knowledge of the truth) my principal task is to endeavour to emerge from the state of doubt into which I have these last days fallen, and to see whether nothing certain can be known regarding material things.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.
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About the Author
Celebrated French mathematician, philosopher and scientist. Descartes is regarded as the father of modern scientific method and modern philosophy. The most significant of his writings include “Philosophical Essays” and “Meditations on First Philosophy”.
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