Continuum Starting with Descartes (Starting with...)

This book offers a new introduction, guiding the student through the key concepts of Descartes' work by examining the overall development of his ideas. Rene Descartes was the founding father of modern Western philosophy and a pivotal thinker in the history of this fascinating subject. The history of philosophy since his time cannot be adequately understood without appreciating how Descartes changed our thinking on a huge range of philosophical issues. Covering all the key concepts of his work, "Starting with Descartes" provides an accessible introduction to the ideas of this enormously significant philosopher. Thematically structured, the book leads the reader through a thorough overview of the development of Descartes' thought, resulting in a more complete understanding of the roots of his philosophical concerns. Offering coverage of the full range of Descartes' ideas, the book explores his major work "The Meditations on First Philosophy" and his basic methodology of philosophical questioning. Crucially the book introduces the historical context in which Descartes wrote and the major thinkers whose work proved influential in the development of his thought, as well as those he influenced. This is the ideal introduction for anyone coming to the work of this pivotally important thinker for the first time. Continuum's "Starting with..." series offers clear, concise and accessible introductions to the key thinkers in philosophy. The books explore and illuminate the roots of each philosopher's work and ideas, leading readers to a thorough understanding of the key influences and philosophical foundations from which his or her thought developed. Ideal for first-year students starting out in philosophy, the series will serve as the ideal companion to study of this fascinating subject. Review "Carlos Prado makes it clear that learning about Descartes is no purely historical exercise. A solid grasp of Descartes' thought is indispensable to understanding contemporary philosophy as well as one of the best ways of being introduced to the Western tradition of philosophical thought." - Professor Barry Allen, McMaster University, Canada"Prado gracefully brings the resources of recent scholarship to the scrutiny of Descartes' still fascinating argument, the foundational work of modern philosophy. An indispensable help to student and teacher alike." - Wallace Matson, Professor of Philosophy, Emeritus, University of California, Berkeley, USAOne thing I like very much about Prado's book is that he makes the case for both the claim that the Meditations are well worth reading, even some 350 years after they were written, and his belief in the greatness despite his many error... of Descartes as a philosopher.--Sanford Lakoff'Prado [offers] helpful general advice on how to read a philosophical work and how to think philosophically ... would be helpful to college and university students struggling in an introductory philosophy course.' - Metascience"Does the world need more monographs on major philosophers? It does when they are as well written as the 'Starting with' series... The summaries and analyses of Descartes's Meditations presented by Prado (emer. Queen's Univ., Canada) are well done and a reliable guide to those unfamiliar with this French philosopher... Summing up: Recommended." -Choice"Prado skillfully weaves together virtually the entire Western philosophical tradition, while illuminating Descartes' central role ... This slim book, which is a mine of information about central philosophical questions, should prove extremely useful." - Tom Rockmore, McAnulty College Distinguished Professor, Duquesne University, USA About the Author C.G. Prado is Professor Emeritus of Philosophy at Queen's University, Canada. His previous publications include Starting with Foucault (Westview, 2000), A House Divided: Comparing Analytic and Continental Philosophy (Humanity, 2003), Searle and Foucault on Truth (Cambri