Description:
Part of the Blackwell Readings in the History of Philosophy series, this survey of early modern philosophy focuses on the key texts and philosophers of the period whose beliefs changed the course of western thought.
- Assembles the key texts from the most significant and influential philosophers of the early modern era to provide a thorough introduction to the period.
- Features the writings of the major philosophical, scientific, and political thinkers of the time, including Descartes, Hobbes, Leibniz and Spinoza.
- Focuses on the development and growth of Rationalism which stressed reason, logic, and experimentation in the pursuit of truth.
- Readings are accompanied by expert commentary from the editors, who are leading scholars in the field.
Review Quotes: "Early Modern Philosophy focuses on the rationalist tradition in Western Philosophy from Descartes through Leibniz. Its overall structure, selections, and introductory materials testify to Martinich's skills as a teacher and as a student of the period. Especially striking is its sensitivity to the scientific, religious, and political contexts in which the works were written and read. The introductions are extremely clear and philosophically astute." Michael Morgan, Indiana University
"This is a very useful anthology of early modern texts that offers generous selections from the writings of the rationalists while also including works related to early modern science and political philosophy." Tad M. Schmaltz, Duke University