Descartes: The Renewal of Philosophy

René Descartes is known as the "father of modern philosophy" for his influential work, "I think, therefore I am." This biography by Steven Nadler explores Descartes' life, from his childhood in France to his adulthood in the Dutch Republic, and assesses his contributions to philosophy, mathematics, and natural science. Nadler demonstrates how Descartes' philosophy transformed the way philosophy is done and the fundamental understanding of the cosmos, the natural world, and human nature.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 01 February 2023
Publisher: Reaktion Books

René Descartes, widely regarded as the "father of modern philosophy," made profound contributions to philosophy, mathematics, and natural science that shaped the intellectual landscape of the seventeenth century. In this comprehensive biography and evaluation of his works, Steven Nadler delves into the life and career of Descartes, tracing his journey from his early years in France to the Dutch Republic, where he spent most of his adult life. Through meticulous research, Nadler explores how Descartes' philosophical renewal revolutionized the practice of philosophy and fundamentally altered our understanding of the cosmos, the natural world, and human nature.

Descartes' work laid the foundation for numerous metaphysical and epistemological inquiries that continue to captivate philosophers today. Nadler's biography strikes a harmonious balance between life, ideas, and historical context, allowing Descartes' philosophy to emerge with its unique brilliance and unconventional nature. Written in a clear, compelling, and judicious manner, this new study offers a magnificent exploration of the thought of a revered modern thinker.

René Descartes, whose famous maxim ("I think, therefore I am") reshaped modern philosophy, is the subject of this critical biography. Nadler, a leading authority on Descartes, traces the philosopher's life from his early years in France to his time in the Dutch Republic, where he spent most of his adult life. The book explores how Descartes' philosophical renewal transformed the practice of philosophy and fundamentally altered our understanding of the cosmos, the natural world, and human nature.

Nadler demonstrates how Descartes' work laid the foundation for numerous metaphysical and epistemological inquiries that continue to captivate philosophers today. The book also provides a rich context for Descartes' ideas, exploring the intellectual milieu of the seventeenth century and the influences that shaped his thought.

Overall, this is an outstanding biography that offers a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the life and ideas of René Descartes. It is a valuable resource for scholars and students of philosophy, as well as anyone interested in the history of modern thought.

Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789146837