On Descartes

Like other books in this Wadsworth series, this provides a relatively quick overview of Descartes, both the historical circumstances of his life and times, and his philosophy. In the limited scope defined for the book, the basic themese and issues are introduced and treated in a way that helps the reader to understand the significance of Descartes' ideas, as well as to see these ideas in the context of wider debate. The logic of Descartes thinking is given significant attention. My students find Descartes actual writings daunting, but I believe a work like this not only helps open up those works, but hopefully encourages the reader to pick up those works themselves. The book could have been better edited!