Ian Johnston & Rene Descartes 
Discourse on Method and Meditations on First Philosophy 

This volume provides new translations of Ren Descartess two most important philosophical works. The Discourse offers a concise presentation and defense of Descartess method of intellectual inquiry-a method that greatly influenced both philosophical and scientific reasoning in the early modern world. Considered a foundational text in modern philosophy, the Meditations presents numerous powerful arguments that to this day influence debates in epistemology, the philosophy of mind, and the philosophy of religion. Descartess timeless writing strikes an uncommon balance of novelty and familiarity, offering arguments concerning knowledge, science, and metaphysics (including the famous I think, therefore I am) that are as compelling in the twenty-first century as they were in the seventeenth. Ian Johnstons translations are modern, clear, and thoroughly annotated, ideal for readers unfamiliar with Descartess intellectual context. An approachable introduction engages both the historical and the philosophical aspects of the text, helping the reader to understand the concepts and arguments contained therein.