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Descartes: a very short introduction
New York: Oxford University Press (1987)
Abstract
Rene Descartes had a remarkably short working life, yet his contribution to philosophy and physics have endured to this day. He is perhaps best known for his statement, "Cogito, ergo sum," the cornerstone of his metaphysics. Descartes did not intend the metaphysics to stand apart from his scientific work, which included important investigations into physics, mathematics, and optics. In this book, Sorell shows that Descarates was, above all, an advocate and practitioner of the new mathematical approach to physics, and that he developed his philosophies to support his discoveries in the sciences.Author's Profile
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Chapters
Matter and Metaphysics
‘Matter and Metaphysics’ explores Descartes' theory that only geometrical properties — length, depth, and breadth — were essential to matter, and that only these properties and motion were needed to explain natural phenomena. The appearances physical objects presented to the human senses w... see more
The Discovery of a Vocation
According to ‘The Discovery of a Vocation’, nothing in Descartes' early years pointed to his eventual career. He was educated at a Jesuit college where he showed a special aptitude for mathematics and also studied physics. This was, however, scholastic physics, which attempted to make sens... see more
‘Absolutes’, Simple Natures, and Problems
‘Absolutes, Simple Natures and Problems’ deals mainly with the Regulae, an incomplete treatise which anticipated some of the innovations of the Geometry, and which adapted, in outline, some of the techniques of the revamped algebra and geometry to solve problems in the other sciences. Desc... see more
Roaming about in the World
‘Roaming about in the world’ covers the nine years after Descartes had his vision in Germany. According to the Discourse, exposure to foreign customs and beliefs was supposed to help him detach himself from prejudices and errors picked up in his youth. This mention of his travels is less a... see more
Paris
‘Paris’ describes the period 1626–8 when Descartes was resident there. He must have been aware of the controversies concerning atheism and scepticism that were rife in the city, but probably did not get involved. He was friendly with many Catholic churchmen anxious to make belief in God in... see more
The Theologians and the God of Physics
The arguments of the Meditations were supposed to lay foundations for physics that would be acceptable to the theologians but actually sparked heated academic and theological debate in France and Holland. ‘The Theologians and the God of Physics’ points out that, though Descartes insisted ... see more
Body
Just as Descartes conceived the mind without attributes involving a body as complete, so a conception of body that omits all properties dependent on a mind was also considered complete. ‘Body ’ shows that this austere conception was designed to cement Descartes' metaphysics to his physics.... see more
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