This edition had all images removed.

Title: Selections from the Principles of Philosophy

Note: Reading ease score: 40.2 (College-level). Difficult to read.

Credits: Produced by Steve Harris, Charles Franks and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team.

Summary: "Selections from the Principles of Philosophy" by René Descartes is a philosophical work possibly written in the early 17th century. This collection includes the preface and the initial sections of Descartes' seminal work, addressing the foundational aspects of human knowledge, the nature of existence, and the utility of philosophy. The text delves into how clear and evident principles can lead to the highest degree of wisdom, contrasting traditional philosophical doctrines with Descartes’ rational approach. The opening of this work presents Descartes' purpose in explicating the principles upon which knowledge is built, emphasizing the necessity of doubting everything that can be doubted to arrive at certainty. He introduces the famous assertion "I think, therefore I am" as a fundamental truth that cannot be doubted. Additionally, he argues for the distinct nature of the mind and body, setting the stage for discussions about the existence of God, the nature of reality, and the pursuit of wisdom. Descartes articulates that true philosophy serves not only to illuminate the nature of existence but also to lead individuals toward a better understanding of themselves and their place in the world. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Author: Descartes, René, 1596-1650

Translator: Veitch, John, 1829-1894

EBook No.: 4391

Published: Aug 1, 2003

Downloads: 358

Language: English

Subject: Philosophy

LoCC: Philosophy, Psychology, Religion

Category: Text

Rights: Public domain in the USA.

This edition has images.

Title: Selections from the Principles of Philosophy

Note: Reading ease score: 40.2 (College-level). Difficult to read.

Credits: Produced by Steve Harris, Charles Franks and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team.

Summary: "Selections from the Principles of Philosophy" by René Descartes is a philosophical work possibly written in the early 17th century. This collection includes the preface and the initial sections of Descartes' seminal work, addressing the foundational aspects of human knowledge, the nature of existence, and the utility of philosophy. The text delves into how clear and evident principles can lead to the highest degree of wisdom, contrasting traditional philosophical doctrines with Descartes’ rational approach. The opening of this work presents Descartes' purpose in explicating the principles upon which knowledge is built, emphasizing the necessity of doubting everything that can be doubted to arrive at certainty. He introduces the famous assertion "I think, therefore I am" as a fundamental truth that cannot be doubted. Additionally, he argues for the distinct nature of the mind and body, setting the stage for discussions about the existence of God, the nature of reality, and the pursuit of wisdom. Descartes articulates that true philosophy serves not only to illuminate the nature of existence but also to lead individuals toward a better understanding of themselves and their place in the world. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Author: Descartes, René, 1596-1650

Translator: Veitch, John, 1829-1894

EBook No.: 4391

Published: Aug 1, 2003

Downloads: 358

Language: English

Subject: Philosophy

LoCC: Philosophy, Psychology, Religion

Category: Text

Rights: Public domain in the USA.