The Rationalists: (4 A History of Western Philosophy)

The seventeenth century saw a fundamental shift in our ways of thinking about ourselves and the universe. The reassuring medieval view of an earth-centred cosmos designed expressly for the benefit of mankind had been steadily eroded; yet at the same time there emerged a new optimism about the possibility of developing a clear and comprehensive account of the workings of the universe, together with a determination to penetrate the nature of the human mind and its relation to the material world. Against this background John Cottingham traces the attempts of the three great rationalist philosophers - Descartes, Spinoza, and Leibniz - to come to terms with man's new role in nature and to devise new systems of philosophy that would provide a unified understanding of reality. He aims to show how closely their ideas are related, and analyses their ways of tackling such central issues as the relation between mind and body, the nature of substance, and the way to achieve a free and fulfilled Human life. He engages with their ideas in a vigorously critical way, and in so doing reveals their capacity to throw light on major philosophical topics which are still very much alive today.

Table of Contents:
1: Background 2: Method 3: Substance 4: Matter and Mind 5: Freedom and Morality Notes; Reference List; Index

About the Author :
John Cottingham holds the Established Chair of Philosophy at the University of Reading.

Review :
`the whole book, gives a real sense of the three casts of mind, and the remainder presents much of the active triangle in gratifying depth and detail ... A reader can get from this work a strong taste of the philosophical reality of the triangle, and a good idea of how some of the main arguments go ... throughout the book, one is grateful for the continuing sense of being in good hands ... I am grateful for this book. I have learned from it, and so will students, professional philosophers and motivated general readers.' Jonathan Bennett, Philosophy `The result is outstandingly informative within a brief compass of pages ... this is a commendable addition to an excellent series.' J.C.A. Gaskin, Expository Times `An excellent survey for students.' Dr E.J. Lowe, Dept. of Philosophy, University of Durham `a first rate introduction to 17th Century Rationalism for undergraduates.' Dr S.J. Critchley, University of Essex