This text investigates the foundational shift in Western thought by examining the core arguments and epistemological frameworks established by seven key figures of the modern era. Richard Schacht, a scholar of continental philosophy, provides a structured overview of the transition from rationalist to empiricist traditions. By analyzing the primary texts of these philosophers, the book constructs a coherent narrative regarding the development of modern metaphysical and ethical inquiry. The work serves as a systematic guide to understanding how these thinkers addressed the nature of knowledge, reality, and the human mind.

Scholars and students frequently identify this work as a reliable, accessible entry point for those beginning their study of modern philosophy. The text is noted for its clarity in distilling complex arguments into manageable concepts for the undergraduate reader.