Special Topics in the History of Philosophy: Descartes and the Cartesian Century

This course focuses on Descartes and later 17th C reactions to Descartes, both positive and negative. We begin with a survey of Descartes' central philosophical writings, emphasizing the Meditations and the Passions of the Soul, though taking account of his scientific writings as well. We then examine some contemporary reactions to Descartes, beginning with the Objections and Replies to the Meditations, and discussing later texts. Figures to be discussed may include Hobbes, Gassendi, Arnauld, Cavendish, Spinoza, More, Malebranche, and others.