René Descartes (1596-1650) came from a family of gentlemen from Touraine. His grandfather, Pierre Descartes, had fought in the wars of religion; his father Joachim, who became an advisor to the Parliament of Brittany in 1586, had three children from … Read More
The ontological argument is an argument which aims to prove the existence of God. It is said to be ontological, because it bases its proof on the definition of what the being (ontos) of God is: it is in the … Read More
(Is there a spirit in the machine?) The mind-body problem raises the question of the relationship between the human body, the brain in particular, and the mind. Although this problem has existed almost since the beginning of philosophy (see Plato), … Read More
In the first, I put forward the reasons why we can generally doubt all things, especially material things, at least as long as we have no other foundations in the sciences, than those we have had until now. Or, although … Read More
I was then in Germany, where the occasion of the wars, which are not yet finished, had called me; and as I was returning from the coronation of the Emperor to the army, the commencement of the winter stopped me … Read More
To the deans and doctors of the Sacred Faculty of Theology of Paris Gentlemen, The reason which leads me to present you to this work is so excellent, and when you will know the design, I am afraid that you … Read More
Common sense is the best shared thing in the world; for every one thinks that he is so well provided that even those who are the most difficult to satisfy in anything else are not in the habit of desiring … Read More
