Download or read book Meditations on First Philosophy written by Rene Descartes and published by CreateSpace. This book was released on 2014-08-23 with total page 42 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Meditations on First Philosophy In which the Existence of God and the Immortality of the Soul are Demonstrated Rene Descartes Meditations on First Philosophy is a philosophical treatise by Rene Descartes first published in 1641. The book is made up of six meditations, in which Descartes first discards all belief in things which are not absolutely certain, and then tries to establish what can be known for sure. The meditations were written as if he was meditating for 6 days: each meditation refers to the last one as "yesterday." (In fact, Descartes began work on the Meditations in 1639.) The Meditations consist of the presentation of Descartes' metaphysical system in its most detailed level and in the expanding of Descartes' philosophical system, which he first introduced in the fourth part of his Discourse on Method (1637). Descartes' metaphysical thought is also found in the Principles of Philosophy (1644), which the author intended to be a philosophy guidebook. The motive which induces me to present to you this Treatise is so excellent, and, when you become acquainted with its design, I am convinced that you will also have so excellent a motive for taking it under your protection, that I feel that I cannot do better, in order to render it in some sort acceptable to you, than in a few words to state what I have set myself to do. I have always considered that the two questions respecting God and the Soul were the chief of those that ought to be demonstrated by philosophical rather than theological argument. For although it is quite enough for us faithful ones to accept by means of faith the fact that the human soul does not perish with the body, and that God exists, it certainly does not seem possible ever to persuade infidels of any religion, indeed, we may almost say, of any moral virtue, unless, to begin with, we prove these two facts by means of the natural reason. And inasmuch as often in this life greater rewards are offered for vice than for virtue, few people would prefer the right to the useful, were they restrained neither by the fear of God nor the expectation of another life; and although it is absolutely true that we must believe that there is a God, because we are so taught in the Holy Scriptures, and, on the other hand, that we must believe the Holy Scriptures because they come from God (the reason of this is, that, faith being a gift of God, He who gives the grace to cause us to believe other things can likewise give it to cause us to believe that He exists), we nevertheless could not place this argument before infidels, who might accuse us of reasoning in a circle. And, in truth, I have noticed that you, along with all the theologians, did not only affirm that the existence of God may be proved by the natural reason, but also that it may be inferred from the Holy Scriptures, that knowledge about Him is much clearer than that which we have of many created things, and, as a matter of fact, is so easy to acquire, that those who have it not are culpable in their ignorance. This indeed appears from the Wisdom of Solomon, chapter xiii, where it is said Howbeit they are not to be excused; for if their understanding was so great that they could discern the world and the creatures, why did they not rather find out the Lord thereof? and in Romans, chapter i., it is said that they are without excuse; and again in the same place, by these words that which may be known of God is manifest in them, it seems as through we were shown that all that which can be known of God may be made manifest by means which are not derived from anywhere but from ourselves, and from the simple consideration of the nature of our minds. Hence I thought it not beside my purpose to inquire how this is so, and how God may be more easily and certainly known than the things of the world.
Download or read book Descartes Meditations on First Philosophy written by René Descartes and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 1996-04-18 with total page 172 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Meditations, one of the key texts of Western philosophy, is the most widely studied of all Descartes' writings. This authoritative translation by John Cottingham, taken from the much acclaimed three-volume Cambridge edition of the Philosophical Writings of Descartes, is based upon the best available texts and presents Descartes' central metaphysical writings in clear, readable modern English. As well as the complete text of the Meditations, the reader will find a thematic abridgement of the Objections and Replies (which were originally published with the Meditations) containing Descartes' replies to his critics. These extracts, specially selected for the present volume, indicate the main philosophical difficulties which occurred to Descartes' contemporaries and show how Descartes developed and clarified his arguments in response. This edition contains a new comprehensive introduction to Descartes' philosophy by John Cottingham and the classic introductory essay on the Meditations by Bernard Williams.
Download or read book Meditations on First Philosophy written by René Descartes and published by . This book was released on 1979 with total page 204 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Many other matters respecting the attributes of God and my own nature or mind remain for consideration; but I shall possibly on another occasion resume the investigation of these. Now (after first noting what must be done or avoided, in order to arrive at a knowledge of the truth) my principal task is to endeavour to emerge from the state of doubt into which I have these last days fallen, and to see whether nothing certain can be known regarding material things.
Download or read book Meditations on First Philosophy written by René Descartes and published by Hackett Publishing. This book was released on 1993-10-01 with total page 77 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Descartes's Meditations on First Philosophy, the fundamental and originating work of the modern era in Western philosophy, is presented here in Donald Cress's completely revised edition of his well-established translation, bringing this version even closer to Descartes's original, while maintaining its clear and accessible style.
Download or read book Descartes Meditations on First Philosophy written by René Descartes and published by Lindhardt og Ringhof. This book was released on 2020-07-31 with total page 64 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: René Descartes is often described as the first modern philosopher, but much of the content of his "Meditations on First Philosophy" can be found in the medieval period that had already existed for more than a thousand years. Does God exist? If so, what is his nature? Is the human soul immortal? How does it differ from the body? What role do sense experience and pure reason play in knowing? Descartes stands out from his predecessors because of the method he developed to treat these and other fundamental questions. Drawing on his study of mathematics, he searches for a way to establish absolutely certain conclusions based on indubitable premises. His importance in modern philosophy lies in the challenge he offers to every subsequent thinker in philosophy and science. The French philosopher Descartes is often called the "Father" of modern philosophy in the West. His Discourse on Method presents the reason why: his method of inquiry. He was the quintessential "rationalist," subjecting all sense experience as doubtful and untrustworthy. Rather than relying on external authority (whether from other people or from God), Descartes demands nothing less than absolute certainty that begins with the self and proceeds step by step with the rigor of logical and mathematical precision. Even though he claims that he has proved the existence of God and explained God’s nature, even that core tenet must be established through rigorous logical argument. No subsequent philosopher is able to ignore this bold and challenging foundation for all thinking. Those who become his disciples as well as those who reject his way of thinking are all under his spell. Many think they have broken that spell only to find that he has shaped them in ways that are not easy to escape.
Download or read book Meditations on First Philosophy written by René Descartes and published by Broadview Press. This book was released on 2013-05-02 with total page 106 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Considered a foundational text in modern philosophy, the Meditations on First Philosophy presents numerous powerful arguments that to this day influence debates in epistemology, the philosophy of mind, and the philosophy of religion. This new translation incorporates revisions from the second Latin edition (1642) and the later French translation (1647) to make Descartes’ reasoning as lucid and engaging as possible. Also included in this edition is a brief introduction to Descartes and the Meditations. The introduction helps the reader to understand the context and purpose of Descartes’ project without over-explaining his arguments.
Download or read book Meditations on First Philosophy written by René Descartes and published by DigiCat. This book was released on 2023-12-26 with total page 84 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "Meditations on First Philosophy" is made up of six meditations, in which Descartes first discards all belief in things that are not absolutely certain, and then tries to establish what can be known for sure. He wrote the meditations as if he had meditated for six days: each meditation refers to the last one as "yesterday". "Meditations on First Philosophy" is one of the most influential philosophical texts ever written and it is widely read to this day.
Download or read book Meditations of First Philosophy written by Rene Descartes and published by ReadHowYouWant.com. This book was released on with total page 147 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book Meditations on First Philosophy written by René Descartes and published by OUP Oxford. This book was released on 2008-05-08 with total page 336 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 'It is some years now since I realized how many false opinions I had accepted as true from childhood onwards...I saw that at some stage in my life the whole structure would have to be utterly demolished' In Descartes's Meditations, one of the key texts of Western philosophy, the thinker rejects all his former beliefs in the quest for new certainties. Discovering his own existence as a thinking entity in the very exercise of doubt, he goes on to prove the existence of God, who guarantees his clear and distinct ideas as a means of access to the truth. He develops new conceptions of body and mind, capable of serving as foundations for the new science of nature. Subsequent philosophy has grappled with Descartes's legacy, questioning many of its conclusions and even his basic approach, but his arguments set the agenda for many of the greatest philosophical thinkers, and their fascination endures. This new translation includes the Third and Fourth Objections and Replies in full, and a selection from the rest of these exchanges with Descartes's contemporaries that helped to expound his philosophy. ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.
Download or read book Meditations on First Philosophy written by René Descartes and published by . This book was released on 2000 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book Meditations of First Philosophy written by René Descartes and published by ReadHowYouWant.com. This book was released on 2006-10 with total page 182 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: One of the most outstanding books ever written on philosophy. It touches the questions regarding God and the human soul and seeks truth in science. The reader passes through stages of meditation with the assistance of a unique narrator. It provokes deep thoughts amongst the readers. Magnificent and incredible ...
Download or read book Meditations On The First Philosophy written by Rene Descartes and published by Harper Collins. This book was released on 2013-10-22 with total page 96 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In Meditations on First Philosophy, French philosopher René Descartes, now regarded as the father of Western philosophy, introduces the concept of the dichotomy—the separation of mind and body—by determining, “I think, therefore I am.” HarperTorch brings great works of non-fiction and the dramatic arts to life in digital format, upholding the highest standards in ebook production and celebrating reading in all its forms. Look for more titles in the HarperTorch collection to build your digital library.
Download or read book Meditations on First Philosophy written by René Descartes and published by Broadview Press. This book was released on 2013-05-02 with total page 106 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Considered a foundational text in modern philosophy, the Meditations on First Philosophy presents numerous powerful arguments that to this day influence debates in epistemology, the philosophy of mind, and the philosophy of religion. This new translation incorporates revisions from the second Latin edition (1642) and the later French translation (1647) to make Descartes’ reasoning as lucid and engaging as possible. Also included in this edition is a brief introduction to Descartes and the Meditations, revised and expanded from Andrew Bailey’s acclaimed anthology, First Philosophy. The introduction helps the reader to understand the context and purpose of Descartes’ project without over-explaining his arguments.
Download or read book Meditations on First Philosophy written by René Descartes and published by . This book was released on 1992 with total page 104 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book Meditations on First Philosophy written by Rene Descartes and published by Phoemixx Classics Ebooks. This book was released on 2021-11-13 with total page 84 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Meditations on First Philosophy Rene Descartes - Descartes's Meditations on First Philosophy, the fundamental and originating work of the modern era in Western philosophy, is presented here in Donald Cress's completely revised edition of his well-established translation, bringing this version even closer to Descartes's original, while maintaining its clear and accessible style.
Download or read book Rene Descartes Meditations on First Philosophy in Focus written by Stanley Tweyman and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2013-04-15 with total page 232 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This volume presents the excellent and popular translation by Haldane and Ross of Descartes' Meditations on First Philosophy, an introduction by Stanley Tweyman which explores the relevance of Descartes' Regulae and his method of analysis in the Meditations, and six articles which indicate the diversity of scholarly opinion on the topic of method in Descartes' philosopy.
Download or read book Meditation on First Philosophy written by Rene Descartes and published by Simon and Schuster. This book was released on 2012-11-01 with total page 85 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The book is made up of six meditations, in which Descartes first discards all belief in things which are not absolutely certain, and then tries to establish what can be known for sure. The meditations were written as if he were meditating for 6 days: each meditation refers to the last one as "yesterday"
