Descartes and the Birth of Modern Philosophy

Descartes and the Birth of Modern Philosophy by Sean Robinson provides a comprehensive exploration of René Descartes' transformative role in the development of modern philosophy. Through a detailed analysis of his groundbreaking ideas, this book examines how Descartes' focus on reason, doubt, and the thinking subject redefined the philosophical landscape. From his revolutionary method of skepticism to his foundational work on epistemology, ethics, and the mind-body relationship, Descartes' contributions are explored in both historical and intellectual contexts. Robinson also delves into the ways Descartes' philosophy challenged traditional scholasticism and set the stage for later philosophical movements such as empiricism, rationalism, and existentialism. By connecting Descartes' work to the broader intellectual currents of the Enlightenment and beyond, this book highlights how Descartes helped to shape not only modern philosophy but also the way we understand knowledge, existence, and the self.