Descartes: Belief, Scepticism and Virtue (Routledge Studies in Seventeenth Century Philosophy) [Hardcover]

Richard Davies (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 6, 2001 | ISBN-10: 0415251222 | ISBN-13: 978-0415251228 | Edition: 1

Descartes is often regarded as the founder of modern philosophy, and is credited with placing at centre stage the question of what we know and how we know it. Descartes: Belief, Scepticism and Virtue seeks to reinsert his work and thought in its contemporary ethical and theological context. Richard Davies explores the much neglected notion of intellectual virtue as it applies to Descartes' inquiry as a whole. He examines the textual dynamics of Descartes' most famous writings in relation to background debates about human endeavour from Plato down to Descartes' own contemporaries. Bringing these materials together in a novel format, Davies argues for a new approach to Descartes' ideas of scepticism and the sciences. The book also offers fresh interpretations of key passages of the Meditations . Descartes: Belief, Scepticism and Virtue offers an original reassessment of some of the most important bodies of work in Western Philosophy.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'Davies offers many acute close readings of familiar texts, readings which often show the texts in a new and convincing light ... supported by very wide reading.' - Anthony Kenny

About the Author

Richard Davies is Lecturer in Philosophy at the University of Bergamo.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 384 pages
• Publisher: Routledge; 1 edition (July 6, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0415251222
• ISBN-13: 978-0415251228
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 5.8 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #7,172,659 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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