Descartes: A Beginner's Guide

by Harry M. Bracken

A modern primer to the father of modern philosophyThe father of modern philosophy, Descartes is still one of the most widely discussed philosophers today. Putting rationalism above all else, he sought to base all knowledge of the world on a single 'I think, therefore I am'. This introduction expertly summarises his thoughts on the dualism of mind and body, his proofs' for God's existence, and his responses to scepticism. Explaining how his life informed his philosophy, Bracken explains the philosopher's enduring significance.

Genres: Philosophy

176 pages, ebook

First published April 1, 2002

Reviews

[Mohammad Mirzaali · Rating 3 out of 5]

برکن، بعد از قرائت متون اصلی دکارت، او را به جنگ مخالفانش و حتا جدال‌های معاصری می‌برد که نهایتا بر سر او و میراث عقل‌گرایی درگرفته است. ارادتم به دکارت بیش‌تر شد

[Bala · Rating 4 out of 5]

A reasonably good companion to the reader of Descartes' work, not only as a secondary source but also as the "missing" appendix, which the reader now holds as a book of its own.

[A. B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good introduction to Descartes and how his radical thought influenced our modern world.

[Michael Kenan Baldwin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Has some interesting moments but jumps all over the shop, spending as many words if not more discussing tangential others than Descartes himself or his work. Opinionated.

[AraAarwa · Rating 2 out of 5]

okay, but didn't really feel like a beginner's guide it was quite complex

[Zhao Qifang · Rating 4 out of 5]

This introduction to Descartes illustrate he and his philosophy very well in the big picture. As a beginner, I gain rough idea of Descartes, and I think it would be very helpful when I dive into Descartes's works. The only flaw I can think of is that in some chapters, the organization of content is not very comprehensive, causing trouble for me to follow his ideas. However, once you overcome it by reading those parts several times, you will be enlightened.

[Mohamed · Rating 2 out of 5]

I would be lying if I said that I understood one single page from this book ! It was not written for beginners in philosophy like me. However, the few ideas that I got from the book are really enlighting. I need to read it again after I know some basics about philosophy.

[Adib · Rating 3 out of 5]

Much of this went over my head but im glad i persevered. A challenging read, but that's what I wanted. I am not much wiser on the issue, maybe just a little wiser :)