25 pages • 50 minutes read
Meditations on First Philosophy
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Book Brief
59
Book • Nonfiction
1640s
1641
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Meditations on First Philosophy by René Descartes follows Descartes' journey as he systematically doubts all previously held beliefs to establish clear and distinct knowledge through six meditations, ultimately arguing for the existence of God and the immortality of the soul. The work introduces the concepts of mind/body dualism and the phrase “I think, therefore, I am.”
Contemplative
Challenging
Mysterious
Reviews & Readership
27,597 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
René Descartes' Meditations on First Philosophy earns acclaim for its rigorous approach to foundational philosophical questions, particularly the nature of existence and the certainty of knowledge. While praised for its depth and influence on modern philosophy, some readers find its dense prose and complex arguments challenging. It remains essential reading for philosophy enthusiasts.
Who Should Read Meditations on First Philosophy?
A reader who enjoys Meditations on First Philosophy by René Descartes is likely an individual keen on exploring foundational questions in metaphysics and epistemology. Comparable to those who appreciate the intellectual rigor found in Plato's Republic or Kant's Critique of Pure Reason.
27,597 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
59
Book • Nonfiction
1640s
1641
Adult
18+ years
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.