René
Descartes is famous as the philosopher who
was prepared to doubt everything - even his
own physical existence. Most people also know
that he said, “I think, therefore I am”, even
if they are not always sure why he said this,
or what he really meant by it.
Introducing
Descartes explains what Descartes doubted,
and why he is usually called the father of
modern philosophy. It is a clear and accessible
guide to all the puzzling questions that Descartes
asked about human beings and their place in
the world. It gives a lucid account of Descartes’
contributions to modern science, mathematics
and the Philosophy of Mind, and is essential
reading for anybody who wants to understand
how contemporary philosophy began. It also
reveals why Descartes liked to do all of his
serious thinking in bed.
***
Dave
Robinson has taught philosophy for many years
and is the author of numerous Introducing
titles. He is now a part-time lecturer in
Critical Studies and lives in Devon.
Chris
Garratt is an illustrator. He is the cartoonist
behind the legendary 'Biff' comic strip in
the Guardian.
