This book argues that science and metaphysics are closely and inseparably interwoven in the work of Descartes, so that the metaphysics cannot be understood without the science and vice versa. In order to make his case, Thomas Vinci offers a careful philosophical reconstruction of central parts of Descartes' metaphysics and of his theory of perception, each considered in relation to his epistemology. Vinci aims to show that Descartes gave an important positive role to sense-perception in his epistemology, and also that he used his reflections on sense-perception to frame his criticism of previous theories of the sensory qualities of objects.
Reviews
Cartesian Truth offers a careful philosophical reconstruction of central parts of Descartes's metaphysics and his theory of perception, each considered in relation to Descartes's epistemology. Vinci aims to further our contemporary understanding of what Wilfrid Sellars called the relation between the 'scientific' and 'manifest' images of the world, thereby establishing the continuing interest of Descartes's epistemology. Of the many substantial original contributions here, most notable perhaps is Vinci's examination of the important positive role Descartes gave to sense perception in his epistemology, and of the use to which Descartes put his reflections on sense perception in framing his criticism of previous theories of the sensory qualities of objects. esHatfield cont. Vinci offers new insights in his examination of Descartes's theory of the cognition of object properties, and especially of the so-called 'primary qualities.' On other key Cartesian philosophical arguments and positions, Vinci off



Book Information
ISBN 9780195113297
Author Thomas C. Vinci
Format Hardback
Page Count 288
Imprint Oxford University Press Inc
Publisher Oxford University Press Inc
Weight(grams) 590g
Dimensions(mm) 234mm * 160mm * 25mm