This book investigates the transformation of cognitive theories and the nature of inference during the 17th century, specifically through the lens of René Descartes' philosophical framework. Stephen Gaukroger, a scholar of early modern philosophy, utilizes historical analysis to contrast Descartes' model of inference as an instantaneous intuitive grasp with the traditional Aristotelian view of inference as a discursive, step-by-step process. By situating Descartes within the context of late Scholasticism and humanism, Gaukroger argues that the Cartesian shift represents a significant evolution in the history of logic and cognitive science.

Scholars and historians of philosophy frequently cite this work as a rigorous examination of the shift in logical paradigms during the early modern period. Experts highlight the text for its precise reconstruction of Cartesian thought and its contribution to understanding the evolution of cognitive models.