The best books by Rene Descartes

Even if you’ve never read any of Descartes’ books, you’ll likely still know his most famous quote: “Cogito ergo sum,” or “I think therefore I am.” The 17th-century philosopher is the father of modern philosophy and rationalism and the creator of the foundation of today’s sciences. Apart from challenging Aristotelian philosophy, Descartes conceived Cartesian dualism, whereby mind and body are separate entities.

Rene Descartes’ legacy lives on through his influence on western philosophy. Not only did he play a pivotal role in the history of philosophy, but his theories on geometry and algebra shape mathematics and physics to this day. This article provides insight into his life and thinking while introducing his most significant works.

Who was Rene Descartes?

Breaking away from Aristotle’s thinking, French philosopher and scientist Rene Descartes established many new approaches to philosophical thought. He was born in 1596 in the French town of La Haye en Touraine. Tragically, his mother died soon after childbirth, and his father was often absent. Consequently, Descartes was brought up by his great-uncle and grandmother.

He attended the Jesuit College Royal Henry-Le-Grand at La Flèche, one of Europe’s most famous schools. As part of his education, he studied Latin, astronomy, music, and mathematics while becoming familiar with Artistotle’s and Tomas Aquinas’ scholastic philosophy, which he would reject in later life.

With unrest spreading across Europe, Descartes joined the Dutch state army, befriending Dutch philosopher and mathematician Isaac Beeckman. In 1619, Descartes experienced spiritual visions that inspired new thinking in mathematics and philosophy.

He moved to Holland and enrolled at Leiden University, where he met Helena Jans van der Strom, with whom he had a daughter. Her tragic death at the age of five is believed to have profoundly influenced Descartes’ philosophy.

During the following two decades, Descartes wrote extensively, publishing his most seminal work, including Meditations on First Philosophy, Principles of Philosophy, and The Passions of the Soul in the 1640s.

At the invitation of Queen Christina of Sweden, Descartes spent the last years of his life in Stockholm as the chair of a new scientific academy. The cold temperature saw him experiment on whether air pressure could serve to forecast the weather. Descartes died of pneumonia in 1650.

Throughout his life, Descartes challenged the thinking of other philosophers, including Galileo and Aristotle. Whilst his work remains influential, philosophers like Spinoza and Hobbes rejected his theories. Regardless, his legacy endures across the world.

Rene Descartes’ best books

Originally written in Latin, Descartes’ body of work remains inspirational and thought-provoking. His groundbreaking philosophical works are a must-read for any modern reader. You can purchase his books on Amazon and other online retailers or listen to audiobooks about his philosophy at Speechify. If you’re an avid fan, you can even get your hands on a first edition. Here’s a list of Rene Descartes’ best books.

Discourse on the Method of Rightly Conducting One’s Reason and of Seeking Truth in the Sciences (1637)

Placing scientific thought processes at the foundation of all thinking forms the core of this book. Descartes’ famous quote, “cogito, ergo sum,” stems from this book, as does his four-step method, whereby you start by doubting everything before moving on to the analysis. You then start finding a solution by resolving the simplest problem first and finish by thoroughly reviewing everything.

Meditations on First Philosophy (1641)

In this philosophical treatise, the author ponders the existence of God and the immortality of the soul. Descartes’ meditations are gripping for anyone on a spiritual journey.

The Principles of Philosophy (1644)

In The Principles of Philosophy, Descartes synthesizes the theories he proposed in Discourse on Method and Meditations on First Philosophy. He explores the duality between body and mind and examines what influence the mind can have over the body.

The Passions of the Soul (1649)

In dedication to Princess Elizabeth of Bohemia, with whom Descartes had extensively corresponded, The Passions of the Soul explores the source and nature of the human spirit and emotions. The author studies ethics, morality, and the nature of human passions, classifying them into six primary passions:

• Wonder
• Love
• Hate
• Desire
• Sadness
• Joy

This masterpiece remains as relevant today as ever.

Descartes’ Meditations and Other Metaphysical Writings (1641) and The Philosophical Writings of Descartes (1985) provide the most comprehensive insight into his philosophy, as he outlines his theories, responds to objections, and underpins his thinking with a rationale.

Experience Descartes on Speechify Audiobooks

You can delve into Descartes’ thinking on Speechify. The audiobook provider gives listeners access to an expansive library of titles in fiction and non-fiction, with the first audiobook free after registering. Moreover, you can download Speechify titles on any device.

Check out Russell Shorto’s Descartes’ Bones, The Autobiography of John Stuart Mill, or The Republic by Plato. For a lighter take on philosophy, download Christopher Phillips’ Socrates Café. When you’re done philosophizing, take in a bit of R&R with John Stein’s hilarious book In Defense of Elitism.

FAQ

What is Descartes’ most famous work?

Meditationes de Prima Philosophia (Meditations On First Philosophy) is the French philosopher’s most famous book, where he lays the foundations for the sciences.

What philosophers did Descartes influence?

Descartes’ philosophy influenced Isaac Newton, Immanuel Kant, Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz, Nietzsche, Robert Boyle, John Locke, and David Hume.

What are the best books about Descartes?

Many Descartes biographies and studies exist. Among the best is John Cottingham’s Descartes, where he analyzes his philosophy, influence, spirituality, and impact on modern science. The book requires no prior knowledge of philosophy. The Philosophical Writings of Descartes with a Cottingham translation and analysis by Robert Stoothoff and Dugald Murdoch provides a comprehensive insight into the life and thinking of the great philosopher.

Roger Ariew’s Descartes and the First Cartesians puts forward the theory that, through his philosophy, Descartes wanted to draw his contemporaries into intellectual discourse.

Stephen Gaukroger’s Descartes biography is one of the best. With a focus on physics and mathematics, Tom Sorell’s book proposes that Descartes created his philosophy to underpin his scientific theories.