The father of modern philosophy, Descartes is still one of the most widely discussed philosophers today. Putting rationalism above all else, he sought to base all knowledge of the world on a single idea: “I think, therefore I am”. This introduction expertly summarises his thoughts on the dualism of mind and body, his “proofs” for God’s existence, and his response to scepticism. Explaining how his life informed his philosophy, Bracken explains the philosopher’s enduring significance.
برکن، بعد از قرائت متون اصلی دکارت، او را به جنگ مخالفانش و حتا جدالهای معاصری میبرد که نهایتا بر سر او و میراث عقلگرایی درگرفته است. ارادتم به دکارت بیشتر شد
A reasonably good companion to the reader of Descartes' work, not only as a secondary source but also as the "missing" appendix, which the reader now holds as a book of its own.
Has some interesting moments but jumps all over the shop, spending as many words if not more discussing tangential others than Descartes himself or his work. Opinionated.
This introduction to Descartes illustrate he and his philosophy very well in the big picture. As a beginner, I gain rough idea of Descartes, and I think it would be very helpful when I dive into Descartes's works. The only flaw I can think of is that in some chapters, the organization of content is not very comprehensive, causing trouble for me to follow his ideas. However, once you overcome it by reading those parts several times, you will be enlightened.
I would be lying if I said that I understood one single page from this book ! It was not written for beginners in philosophy like me. However, the few ideas that I got from the book are really enlighting. I need to read it again after I know some basics about philosophy.
Much of this went over my head but im glad i persevered. A challenging read, but that's what I wanted. I am not much wiser on the issue, maybe just a little wiser :)