Pierre Gassendi: Humanism, Science, and the Birth of Modern Philosophy

Pierre Gassendi (1592–1655) was a key figure in 17th-century philosophy and science, rivaling Descartes. He revived atomism and Epicureanism within a Christian framework, advocated an empiricist and probabilistic epistemology, and defended Galileo's mechanics and cosmology. This book is the first English language resource that covers his biography, bibliography, and all aspects of his work, divided into three parts. It is essential for scholars and upper-level students of early modern philosophy, intellectual history, and the history of science.

Format: Hardback
Length: 416 pages
Publication date: 21 April 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Pierre Gassendi ({PHONE}) was a prominent figure in seventeenth-century philosophy and science, whose works played a significant role in shaping Western intellectual identity. Among the "new philosophers," he rivaled Descartes and was among the first to seek an alternative to Aristotelian philosophy. In his writings, he advocated for a revival of atomism and Epicureanism within a Christian framework, promoting an empiricist and probabilistic epistemology that would have a profound impact on later thinkers such as Locke and Newton. Gassendi's astronomical work was also noteworthy, particularly his defense of Galileo's mechanics and cosmology. Additionally, he was an active biographer, contributing to the understanding of historical figures and their ideas.

Despite his significant contributions, Gassendi has been largely overlooked in the Anglophone world. This collection of essays is the first book on Gassendi in the English language that comprehensively covers his biography, bibliography, and various aspects of his work. The book is divided into three parts.

Part I provides a reconstruction of the genesis of Gassendi's Epicurean project, offering an overview of his life and career. It also examines his early attacks on Aristotle, his advocacy of Epicurean philosophy, and his relationship with the skeptical tradition and Cicero's thought.

Part II delves into Gassendi's participation in seventeenth-century philosophical and scientific debates, focusing particularly on his controversies with Descartes and Fludd. It explores Gassendi's ideas on logic, theories of space and time, mechanics, astronomy, cosmology, and the study of living beings, and presents the reception of his thought in England.

Part III explores Gassendi's contributions to logic, theories of space and time, mechanics, astronomy, cosmology, and the study of living beings. It also examines the reception of Gassendi's thought in England, highlighting his influence on early modern philosophy and science.

This book is an essential resource for scholars and upper-level students of early modern philosophy, history of science, and intellectual history. It provides a comprehensive and accessible introduction to Gassendi's life and work, making it accessible to a wider audience. By examining his contributions to various fields, this book sheds light on the broader context of seventeenth-century intellectual developments and the enduring impact of Gassendi's ideas on modern thought.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781138697454