Includes bibliographical references (pages [254]-278) and index.
Contents:
Introduction -- Man of Touraine -- 'The great book of the world' -- A fabulous new world -- Rebuilding the house of knowledge -- 'I think, therefore I am' -- Loss and conflict -- The Cartesian textbook -- 'A land of bears, rocks and ice'.
Summary:
"Often called 'the father of modern philosophy', René Descartes' contributions to philosophy, mathematics and natural science set the intellectual agenda for the seventeenth century. In this biography and assessment of his works, based on the most up-to-date research, Steven Nadler follows Descartes from his early years and education in France to the Dutch Republic, where he lived most of his adult life, to his final months as tutor to Queen Christina of Sweden. Nadler shows how Descartes' 'renewal' of philosophy involved a transformation in both the way in which philosophy is done and the fundamental understanding of the cosmos, the natural world and human nature. His work was a springboard for many of the metaphysical and epistemological problems that continue to engage philosophers today"--Provided by publisher.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.