Title
Descartes: An Intellectual Biography,Used
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Ren Descartes's insights into the nature of knowledge and the mind have inspired awe and debate through the centuries. But while philosophers have sought to understand the ramifications of his theories, they have paid much less attention to how, exactly, he arrived at his ideas. What twists and turns of his intellect brought him to his epochal conclusions? How did his personal ambitions and the social conditions of his era shape his thought? These questions and more are masterfully answered in Stephen Gaukroger's Descartes, a fascinating look at this most influential of all Renaissance thinkers.In his quest to retrace Descartes's development as a scientist and philosopher, Gaukroger leaves no stone unturned. From the great man's first book on music theory (Compendium Musicae) to his masterworks Discours, Essais, Meditationes, and Principia, from his study of mathematics while attending a Jesuit college at age ten, through his dying days in the service of Christina, Queen of Sweden, Descartes brims with penetrating and often surprising insights into the philosopher's life and work. We discover, for example, that he wasn't as concerned with developing an allencompassing theory of knowledge as he was with establishing a natural philosophy that supported the teachings of Copernicus, a man whose work he deeply admired. We also learn that Descartes was willing to alter his publicly stated views to accommodate church doctrineespecially after witnessing Galileo's condemnation in 1633. We observe how his personal triumphs and failuresfrom his rumored nervous breakdown in 1614, to his joy at the popular reception of Discours and Essais, to his protracted and very public dispute with the implacable professor Voetiusaffected his intellectual development. Along the way, Gaukroger details how Descartes's theories of metaphysics, mechanics, cognition, and cosmology have been both championed and distorted by philosophers of all stripes for over three hundred years. Packed with helpful diagrams and indepth interpretations of Descartes's most celebrated works, the book also includes a useful chronology that highlights his important accomplishments and personal milestones.Descartes is an exhaustively detailed, magisterial look at the dazzling intellectual achievements of the father of modern philosophy. Splendidly written by a renowned authority on the subject, it will serve as the definitive guide to Descartes's thoughts, works, and life for years to come.
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- Q: What is the page count of the book? A: The book contains five hundred and twenty pages. This extensive length allows for a deep exploration of René Descartes's life and philosophies.
- Q: What is the binding type of this book? A: The book is hardcover. This durable binding provides longevity and a premium feel, making it suitable for frequent reading.
- Q: What are the dimensions of the book? A: The book measures one point thirty-four inches in depth, six point five inches in width, and nine point forty-nine inches in height. These dimensions make it a manageable size for reading and storage.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The author is Stephen Gaukroger. He is a renowned authority on philosophy, particularly on the works of René Descartes.
- Q: What is the primary genre of this book? A: The book falls under the genre of intellectual biography. It delves into the life and thoughts of one of the most influential philosophers of the Renaissance.
- Q: How does this book help understand Descartes's theories? A: It provides detailed insights into Descartes's development as a thinker. The author meticulously retraces Descartes's intellectual journey and contextualizes his theories within his life experiences.
- Q: Is this book suitable for beginners in philosophy? A: Yes, the book is accessible to beginners. Gaukroger's clear writing style and thorough explanations make complex ideas understandable for readers new to philosophy.
- Q: What themes are explored in this book? A: The book explores themes of modernism, rationalism, and the nature of knowledge. It examines how Descartes's ideas have shaped philosophical discourse over centuries.
- Q: Can I use this book for academic purposes? A: Yes, it is suitable for academic use. The detailed analysis and thorough references make it a valuable resource for students and scholars.
- Q: How should I care for this hardcover book? A: To care for the book, keep it in a cool, dry place and handle it gently. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight to prevent fading of the cover.
- Q: Does this book include any visual aids? A: Yes, the book is packed with helpful diagrams. These visuals enhance understanding of Descartes's theories and key concepts.
- Q: Is there a chronology of Descartes's life included? A: Yes, the book includes a useful chronology. It highlights important accomplishments and personal milestones of Descartes's life.
- Q: What if the book arrives damaged? A: If the book arrives damaged, you should contact customer support for a return or exchange. Most retailers have policies in place for such issues.
- Q: How do I store this book to keep it in good condition? A: Store the book upright on a shelf or in a bookcase to maintain its shape. Avoid stacking heavy items on top of it.
- Q: What if I have questions about the book's content? A: If you have questions about the book's content, consider joining a reading group or forum. Engaging with others can enhance your understanding.
- Q: How does this book compare to other biographies of Descartes? A: This book is exhaustive and detailed compared to others. It offers a comprehensive look at Descartes's life, making it a definitive guide in the field.