Called "the father of modern philosophy," Descartes is one of the most influential philosophers of all time. John Cottingham examines Descartes' remarkable attempt to construct a new basis for scientific understanding along with his views on language, human and animal nature, and the place of God in science and ethics. Extracts are taken from the whole range of Descartes' writings, including the Discourse on the method, Meditations on first philosophy,...

Presents an introduction to the thought of Nietzsche, presenting excerpts from his works and discussing his distinctive philosophical style and the development of his ideas.

" Intent upon letting the reader experience the pleasure and intellectual stimulation in reading these classic authors, the How to Read series provides a context and an explanation that will facilitate and enrich your understanding of texts vital to the canon. Approaching the writing of major intellectuals, artists, and philosophers need no longer be daunting. How to Read is a new sort of introduction--a personal master class in reading--that brings...