Meditations on First Philosophy: In Which the Existence of God and the Distinction of the Soul from the Body Are Demonstrated

by Descartes, Rene; Cress, Donald A.

• ISBN13: 9780872201927
• ISBN10: 0872201929
• eBook ISBN(s): 9781603844819
• Additional ISBN(s): 9780915144570
• Edition: 3rd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1993-10-01
• Publisher: Hackett Pub Co Inc
• More Book Details

About This Book

Meditations on First Philosophy, 3rd Edition

ISBN: 9780872201927

Meditations on First Philosophy by René Descartes is a foundational work in Western philosophy, first published in 1641. This third edition, released on October 1st, 1993, by Hackett Publishing Company, offers a revised translation by Donald Cress, bringing the text even closer to Descartes's original while maintaining its clear and accessible style.

Who Uses It?

Primarily, this book is used by students and scholars in philosophy courses at the college and university levels. It's also a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the basics of philosophical inquiry, including the nature of existence, knowledge, and reality. This edition is particularly useful for those exploring the modern era of Western philosophy.

History and Editions

The third edition of Meditations on First Philosophy has been updated to reflect modern scholarly insights and translations. This edition includes detailed notes and an introduction that provide context for Descartes's groundbreaking ideas. The book's concise format makes it an ideal introduction to philosophical thought for both beginners and advanced students.

Author and Other Works

René Descartes was a French philosopher and mathematician who is widely regarded as the father of modern Western philosophy. His contributions extend beyond Meditations on First Philosophy to other notable works such as Discourse on Method and Principles of Philosophy. Descartes is known for his methodological skepticism and his famous statement "I think, therefore I am" (Cogito, ergo sum).

Key Features

• Comprehensive Coverage: The book covers core philosophical concepts, including the existence of God, the nature of the self, and the relationship between mind and body.
• Accessible Style: The translation by Donald Cress ensures that Descartes's complex ideas are presented in a clear and understandable manner.
• Historical Context: The edition includes an introduction that provides historical context, helping readers understand the significance of Descartes's work within the broader philosophical landscape.

Detailed Information

ISBNs and Formats

• Paperback: ISBN-13: 9780872201927
• eBook: Available through VitalSource (ISBN: 9781603844819)
• Related ISBNs:
• 9781603845168 (eBook)
• 1603844813 (eBook)
• 160384516X (eBook)

Publication Details

• Publisher: Hackett Publishing Company, Incorporated
• Publication Date: October 1st, 1993
• Number of Pages: 80 pages
• Language: English
• Dimensions: 5.50" wide x 8.50" long x 0.25" tall

Other Editions and Formats

While this specific edition is in paperback format, it is also available as an eBook through various digital platforms. The related ISBNs listed above provide additional formats for those who prefer digital or other versions of the book.

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

Table of Contents

Note on the Translation	vi	(1)
Editor's Preface	vii	(3)
Selected Bibliography	x
MEDITATIONS ON FIRST PHILOSOPHY
Letter of Dedication	1	(4)
Preface to the Reader	5	(3)
Synopsis of the Following Six Meditations	8	(5)
MEDITATION ONE: Concerning Those Things That Can Be Called into Doubt	13	(4)
MEDITATION TWO: Concerning the Nature of the Human Mind: That It Is Better Known Than the Body	17	(7)
MEDITATION THREE: Concerning God, That He Exists	24	(11)
MEDITATION FOUR: Concerning the True and the False	35	(7)
MEDITATION FIVE: Concerning the Essence of Material Things, and Again Concerning God, That He Exists	42	(5)
MEDITATION SIX: Concerning the Existence of Material Things, and the Real Distinction between Mind and Body	47