Author Description
The concept of an "idea" played a central role in 17th-century theories of mind and knowledge, but philosophers were divided over the nature of ideas. This book examines an important, but little-known, debate on this question in the work of Leibniz, Malebranche, and Descartes. Looking closely at the issues involved, as well as the particular context in which the debate took place, Jolley demonstrates that the debate has serious implications for a number of major topics in 17th-century philosophy.
Menrva's Summary
THE THESIS
This book investigates the divergent theories of ideas held by Descartes, Malebranche, and Leibniz to determine how their conflicting definitions shaped the landscape of 17th-century epistemology. Nicholas Jolley, a scholar of early modern philosophy, utilizes primary texts and historical context to reconstruct the debate surrounding the nature of mental representation. He argues that these disagreements were not merely semantic but were foundational to the broader metaphysical and cognitive frameworks of the era.
THE SCOPE MAP
What You Will Find
- Comparative analysis of the representational theories of Descartes, Malebranche, and Leibniz.
- Examination of the role of ideas in 17th-century theories of mind and knowledge.
- Historical context regarding the intellectual climate of the period.
- Discussion of the implications of these theories for broader philosophical problems.
THE AUTHORITY PERSPECTIVE
Scholars recognize this work as a precise and focused contribution to the study of early modern rationalism. Readers frequently note the academic density of the prose, which is intended for those with a background in philosophical history.
Page Count:
224
Publication Date:
1998-12-10
Publisher:
Clarendon Press
ISBN-10:
0198238193
ISBN-13:
9780198238195
Philosophy
Epistemology
Metaphysics
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