Author
René Descartes
1596-1650
René Descartes (1596-1650) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
Subjects
Books by René Descartes
Discourse on the Method of Rightly Conducting One's Reason and of Seeking Truth in the Sciences
"Discourse on the Method of Rightly Conducting One's Reason and of Seeking Truth in the Sciences" by René Descartes is a philosophical and autobiographical treatise published in 1637. Descartes confronts skepticism by doubting everything to discover incontrovertible truth. This approach leads him to his famous conclusion "I think, therefore I am." He presents four precepts for arriving at genuine knowledge, starting from the simplest ideas and building systematically. The work establishes foundations for modern philosophy and natural sciences, introducing reasoning methods that would revolutionize Western thought.
Six metaphysical meditations $b Wherein it is proved that there is a God and that mans mind is really distinct from his body
"Six metaphysical meditations" by René Descartes is a philosophical treatise first published in Latin in 1641. Descartes systematically discards all beliefs that aren't absolutely certain, then attempts to establish what can be known for sure. Written as if meditated over six days, the work explores fundamental questions about the existence of God and the nature of the soul. Through first-person reflection, Descartes builds a new foundation for knowledge from the ground up, creating one of the most influential philosophical texts ever written.
Discours de la méthode
"Discours de la méthode" by René Descartes is a philosophical text published in 1637. Originally intended as an introduction to three scientific treatises, this work presents Descartes's method for pursuing truth through reason. Written after Galileo's condemnation and published anonymously, it combines autobiography with philosophical inquiry, outlining the author's intellectual journey and methodological principles. The text became one of the founding works of modern Western philosophy, demonstrating how Descartes's approach extends across metaphysics, physics, and medicine.
Selections from the Principles of Philosophy
"Selections from the Principles of Philosophy" by René Descartes is a philosophical work published in 1644. It synthesizes Descartes' earlier writings to present a comprehensive system of metaphysics and natural philosophy. The work establishes fundamental principles of nature and physics, including the revolutionary concept that objects move uniformly in straight lines without external forces. Intended to replace Aristotelian teachings in universities, it offers the first complete mechanistic explanation of the universe, built upon Descartes' metaphysical foundations.
Meditationes de prima philosophia
"Meditationes de prima philosophia" by René Descartes is a philosophical treatise first published in 1641. In six meditations, Descartes systematically doubts all previous beliefs to establish what can be known with absolute certainty. Written as daily reflections, the work attempts to demonstrate fundamental truths about God's existence and the soul's nature through rigorous philosophical reasoning. This influential text invites readers to meditate alongside Descartes as he rebuilds knowledge from the ground up.
A Discourse of a Method for the Well Guiding of Reason and the Discovery of Truth in the Sciences
"A Discourse of a Method for the Well Guiding of Reason" by René Descartes is a philosophical and autobiographical treatise published in 1637. Descartes confronts the problem of skepticism by doubting everything to achieve a fresh perspective. Through this radical method, he arrives at an incontrovertible truth that becomes philosophy's most famous statement. The work presents four precepts for guiding reason and seeking truth in the sciences, establishing foundations for modern philosophy and natural sciences while introducing concepts that would revolutionize mathematics and human thought.
Betrachtungen über die Grundlagen der Philosophie
"Betrachtungen über die Grundlagen der Philosophie" by René Descartes is a philosophical treatise written in the 17th century. The work explores foundational questions about existence, knowledge, and the nature of reality, focusing on the role of doubt and reason in achieving certainty. It lays the groundwork for modern philosophy and seeks to establish a systematic approach to understanding the world. The opening portion of the text introduces Descartes' method of radical doubt, where he questions everything he previously believed to be true, particularly the reliability of the senses. He contemplates the existence of a deceptive demon that could manipulate his perceptions, ultimately leading him to conclude that the only indubitable truth is his own existence—encapsulated in the famous phrase "Cogito, ergo sum" ("I think, therefore I am"). This section sets the stage for his exploration of the nature of the mind, the relationship between the mind and body, and the existence of God, establishing the philosophical framework that the rest of the treatise will build upon.
Metodin esitys Mielenliikutuksien tutkistelu. Metafyysillisiä mietelmiä.
"Metodin esitys" by René Descartes is a philosophical text written in the early 17th century. In this work, Descartes presents foundational ideas regarding methodical reasoning and the pursuit of knowledge. The book delves into critical examination of existing philosophical thoughts and emphasizes the importance of systematic doubt and inquiry in achieving certainty and understanding of truths. At the start of the work, Descartes reflects on his life and early education, describing the influences that shaped his philosophical journey. He discusses his realization of the limits and inadequacies of the knowledge he acquired through traditional schooling, which leads him to seek a new method for discovering truth. Descartes intends to outline this method of reasoning in a systematic way, emphasizing the necessity of doubt and personal experience as tools for insightful thinking. This sets the stage for his broader philosophical arguments, which would later challenge established norms and pave the way for modern scientific and analytical thought.