Understanding Rationalism

Understanding Movements in Modern Thought

by Charlie Huenemann

The three great historical philosophers most often associated with rationalism - Descartes, Spinoza and Leibniz - opened up ingenious and breathtaking vistas upon the world. Yet their works are so difficult that readers often find themselves stymied. "Understanding Rationalism" offers a guide for anyone approaching these thinkers for the first time.With clear explanations, elegant examples and insightful summaries, "Understanding Rationalism" unlocks their intricate metaphysical systems, which are by turns surprising, compelling and sometimes bizarre. It also lays out their controversial stances on moral, political and religious problems. The study is framed by an opening discussion of the broad themes and attitudes common to these three philosophers and a closing analysis of the legacy they left for the rest of philosophy.

Genres: Philosophy

176 pages, Hardcover

First published January 31, 2008

Reviews

[Mohammad Mirzaali · Rating 4 out of 5]

چارلی هونمان سه اندیشمند عقل‌باور —یعنی دکارت، اسپینوزا و لایبنیتس— را، هر کدام در دو فصل (یکی در شرح متافیزیک، یکی در شرح اخلاق و سیاست آن‌ها) معرفی و نقد می‌کند. البته عقل‌گرایان منحصر به این سه نیستند و برای مثال نامی از مالبرانشِ عقل‌باور در کتاب نیست. همان‌طور که مؤلف در مقدمه ذکر می‌کند، هم‌راستا دانستن این سه فیلسوف نیز خالی از مناقشه نیست اما مشترکات آن‌ها به حدی هست که مجلدی واحد به اندیشه‌ی‌شان اختصاص پیدا کند. در کل خواندنی و پرمغز بود و توانسته بود عقل‌گرایی را به عنوان سرآغاز فلسفه‌ی مدرن در کلیتش باز نماید

[Error Theorist · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very good general survey of some of the "big names" of rationalism. I found it unfortunate that important thinkers like Malebranche were left out, but it seems necessary if the author was going to keep the book at a manageable length. I found the idea that rationalists view the skeleton of the external world as coinciding with the skeleton of the human mind a very good way to explain the basic assumption made by all rationalists. Human reason, properly exercised, is supposed to align with the basic structure of reality. This is still a major assumption made by many contemporary philosophers, and it probably won't die off anytime soon.

[Vince Eccles · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not a philosopher, but have read philosophy books for about 20-ish years. I loved this book. It was easy to read and it gives a very good overview on each of the main Rationalists. This author takes a different tack than many authors of philosophy books. He prefers clarity! Many philosophy authors seem to prefer obscurity.

I definitely recommend the book to anyone looking to dive into the rationalist philosophers for the first time or for a good review.

[Tlaloc · Rating 4 out of 5]

Understanding rationalism is a glimpse into the life, works, and thoughts of three philosophical heavy hitters: Descartes, Spinoza, and Leibniz. Easy to read, this is accessible and completely understandable to a complete novice to philosophy.