Meditations on First Philosophy

by René Descartes
Meditations on First Philosophy cover
Good Books rating 3.33
Philosophy
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  • ID: 245
  • Added: 2025-09-06
  • Updated: 2025-10-31
  • ISBN: 9781460402610
  • Publisher: Broadview Press
  • Published: 2013-05-02
  • Formats: 24
  • Reviews: 4

Considered a cornerstone of modern philosophy, René Descartes' 'Meditations on First Philosophy' presents influential arguments that continue to shape debates in epistemology, the philosophy of mind, and the philosophy of religion. This new translation incorporates revisions from the second Latin edition (1642) and the later French translation (1647) to make Descartes’ reasoning as clear and engaging as possible. The edition also includes a brief introduction to Descartes and the Meditations, revised and expanded from Andrew Bailey’s acclaimed anthology, First Philosophy. This introduction helps readers understand the context and purpose of Descartes’ project without over-explaining his arguments. /n/n Descartes' work is renowned for its clarity and logical rigor, making it accessible to both scholars and those new to philosophical inquiry. The Meditations challenge readers to question the nature of reality, the existence of God, and the foundations of knowledge, offering a profound exploration of some of the most fundamental questions in philosophy.

Reviews
The Storygraph · 2025-10-29
critical 2.00

The book feels out of step with modern times and relies heavily on religious arguments. The reviewer finds it challenging to connect with the text.

This review criticizes the book for being out of step with contemporary thought, particularly in its reliance on religious arguments to support its philosophical points. The reviewer finds it difficult to connect with the text, as the arguments feel outdated and not in line with current philosophical discussions. They express frustration with the book's approach, which they see as limiting its relevance and appeal to modern readers. Overall, the review is critical and highlights the challenges of engaging with Descartes' work in today's context.

Quick quotes

    Basing one's entire existence on 'God' is in no way a meditative endeavor

    This book feels utterly out of step with our time

    Supporting one's arguments by referencing God is not a meditative endeavor

Five Books · 2025-10-24
positive 4.00

The review praises Descartes' writing style and his approach to skepticism, recommending the first meditation as a starting point. It highlights the depth and rigor of his philosophical inquiries.

Five Books offers a positive review of Descartes' Meditations on First Philosophy, particularly recommending the first meditation. They praise Descartes' writing style and his methodical approach to skepticism, noting how he challenges the reader to question their assumptions. They find his arguments compelling and his philosophical inquiries deeply insightful. They recommend this book to anyone interested in exploring the foundations of modern philosophy, highlighting its relevance and impact on contemporary thought. They appreciate Descartes' ability to make complex ideas accessible and engaging.

Quick quotes

    René Descartes is a superb writer who, in his first Meditation takes skepticism—which is an unwillingness to assume

    A superb writer who takes skepticism

    The first Meditation is the one I'm recommending

Goodreads · 2025-10-24
mixed 3.00

The review highlights the foundational nature of Descartes' work, praising its significance in the field of philosophy. It notes that the book is challenging but rewarding for those willing to engage deeply with its content.

Goodreads users have mixed feelings about Meditations on First Philosophy. They acknowledge its importance as a foundational text in philosophy, appreciating Descartes' rigorous approach to skepticism and his systematic method of doubt. However, they also note that the book can be quite challenging, requiring significant effort to fully grasp its concepts. They recommend it to those with a strong interest in philosophy, but caution that it may not be suitable for casual readers. Overall, they see it as a valuable but demanding read.

Quick quotes

    Descartes's Meditations on First Philosophy, the fundamental and originating work of the modern era

    Good read, but for a layman like me a heavy one

    Not one for the holiday perhaps but nevertheless

1000-Word Philosophy · 2025-09-06
rigorous 4.30

Descartes' Meditations are recognized for raising fundamental philosophical issues about knowledge and the self, using methodical doubt to reject sensory beliefs and seek indubitable truths.

This review appreciates Descartes' radical approach to skepticism, where he systematically doubts all beliefs that could be false to secure absolute certainty. The reviewer notes how Descartes extends doubt even to seemingly self-evident truths, considering the possibility of deception by an evil genius. They highlight the Meditations' enduring importance in philosophy for addressing deep questions about the nature of knowledge, mind, and reality through rigorous argumentation.

Quick quotes

    His strategy is to doubt any belief he has that could be false or that he could be mistaken about.

    If he were asleep and dreaming, many of his beliefs would be false.

    He rejects even these beliefs because he could be deceived by some evil genius or even God.

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