Discourse on Method and Meditations on First Philosophy: Meditations on First Philosophy

by Descartes, Rene

• ISBN13: 9780872204201
• ISBN10: 0872204200
• eBook ISBN(s): 9781603844482
• Additional ISBN(s): 9780872201729, 9780872204218, 9781603845151
• Edition: 4th
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1999-06-01
• Publisher: Hackett Pub Co Inc
• More Book Details

About This Book

Discourse on Method and Meditations on First Philosophy

ISBN: 9780872204201

This classic philosophical text by René Descartes is a foundational work in the history of philosophy. It's a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the principles of modern philosophy, particularly in the areas of epistemology and metaphysics.

Who Uses It?

Primarily, this book is used by students and instructors in introductory philosophy courses at the college and university levels. It's also a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the basics of philosophical thought, including professionals looking to refresh their knowledge or expand their understanding of philosophical principles.

History and Editions

The 4th edition of Discourse on Method and Meditations on First Philosophy has been updated to bring this version even closer to Descartes's original work. This edition includes Donald Cress's completely revised translation of the Meditations (from the corrected Latin edition) and recent corrections to Discourse on Method. The book maintains the clear and accessible style of a classic teaching edition, making it easier for readers to grasp complex philosophical concepts.

Author and Other Works

René Descartes was a French philosopher and mathematician who is widely regarded as the father of modern Western philosophy. His works include Meditations on First Philosophy, Discourse on Method, and Principles of Philosophy. Donald A. Cress, the translator of this edition, is Professor Emeritus of Philosophy at the University of Wisconsin, Parkside. His translations of Descartes' works are highly regarded for their accuracy and clarity.

Key Features

• Comprehensive Coverage: The book provides a detailed exploration of Descartes' philosophical method and his famous meditations.
• Accessible Translation: Donald Cress's translation ensures that the original Latin text is rendered in clear and accessible English.
• Historical Context: The book offers insights into the historical context in which Descartes wrote, providing a deeper understanding of his philosophical ideas.
• Educational Value: This edition is designed specifically for teaching purposes, making it an excellent resource for both students and educators.

Detailed Information

ISBNs and Formats

• Paperback: ISBN-13: 9780872204201
• Hardcover: ISBN-10: 0872204219 (Note: This is the hardcover edition, not the paperback)[4]

Publication Details

• Publisher: Hackett Publishing Company
• Publication Date: June 15, 1999
• Number of Pages: 128
• Language: English
• Item Weight: 0.462 pounds
• Dimensions: 5.51 inches wide x 8.50 inches long x 0.31 inches tall

Other Editions and Formats

While this specific edition is widely available, it's worth noting that there might be other formats or editions available through different retailers. However, the primary focus should be on this 4th edition for its comprehensive and accessible translation.

Related ISBNs

• Hardcover: ISBN-10: 0872204219 (Note: This is the hardcover edition, not the paperback)[4]
• eBook: Availability may vary depending on the retailer, but it is generally available through major eBook platforms.

This detailed information section provides a quick reference for all the available formats and sources for Discourse on Method and Meditations on First Philosophy, making it easier to find and access the book in the preferred format.

Table of Contents

Preface
Abbreviations
Discourse on the Method of Rightly Conducting the Reason and Seeking for Truth in the Sciences	p. 3
Meditations on First Philosophy	p. 49
Introduction	p. 111
Descartes in His Time	p. 121
Metaphysics	p. 147
Epistemology	p. 236
Physics and Mathematics	p. 272
Political Theory and Ethics	p. 306
Psychoanalysis	p. 330
Literature and the Arts	p. 349
Descartes in Our Time	p. 371
Table of Contents provided by Blackwell. All Rights Reserved.