Descartes: A Very Short Introduction : Book Review

In his book "Descartes," Tom Sorell provides a thorough and detailed account of the life, philosophy, and contributions of René Descartes. Sorell takes the reader on a journey through Descartes' most renowned work, "Meditations on First Philosophy," exploring his method of doubt and his relentless pursuit of certainty. The author also highlights Descartes' dualistic perspective, which separates the mind and body, and delves into his thoughts on reality and knowledge.

Sorell commences by immersing us in Descartes' background, offering an extensive biography that encompasses his early life, education, and the social and intellectual context of his time. By providing this historical backdrop, Sorell enables us to understand how Descartes' philosophy was influenced and shaped by the ideas and events of his era.

The book subsequently delves into the central tenets of Descartes' philosophy, commencing with his method of doubt. Sorell delves into Descartes' ambition to question everything he believed to be true as a means of establishing a foundation of knowledge built on unquestionable truths. It is within this quest for certainty that Descartes famously develops his cogito, ergo sum (I think, therefore I am) declaration, which Sorell meticulously unpacks and analyzes.

Furthermore, Sorell explores Descartes' dualistic perspective that posits the existence of two distinct substances: mind and body. This concept of mind-body dualism holds significant implications for Descartes' philosophy, particularly concerning his views on reality, consciousness, and the relationship between the mind and body.

Additionally, Sorell delves into Descartes' notions on knowledge and his theory of innate ideas. He discusses Descartes' belief in certain ideas being innate, meaning they are not acquired through sensory experience but are inherent in our nature as rational beings.

What are readers saying?

The book "Descartes" by Tom Sorell has received a mix of reviews from readers, with some praising the author's comprehensive discussion of René Descartes' philosophical ideas, while others found the book to be too dense and difficult to follow.

One reviewer commended Sorell for his in-depth analysis of Descartes' works, noting that the author effectively delves into the philosopher's thoughts on topics such as the mind-body dualism and methodological skepticism. The reviewer appreciated Sorell's attention to detail and ability to present complex ideas clearly and concisely.

Another reader described the book as a valuable resource for studying Descartes' philosophy, finding Sorell's explanations to be well-structured and comprehensive. The book aided in their understanding of Descartes' influential ideas.

However, some readers criticized the book for its challenging nature. One found the writing too dense and academic, making it difficult to engage with the material. They felt that Sorell's approach was more appropriate for scholars and experts instead of the general reader.

Another reviewer mentioned that although Sorell presents a thorough examination of Descartes' philosophy, the book lacks a cohesive narrative or clear organization. This made it challenging for them to follow the author's argument and connect the various concepts discussed throughout the book.

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