This collection of fourteen essays, all published here for the first time, offers a stimulating reassessment of the central theme of Descartes' metaphysics. The first section examines Descartes' place in the history of philosophy and his unique influence in shaping the nature of philosophical enquiry. The central sections of the book cover the Cartesian doctrine of substance, the place of God in Descartes' philosophy, and his views on the relationship between reason and will. A concluding section examines the problematice role of sensory awaremess om Descartes' account of our knowlege of ourselves and the world around us, and the implication of that account for an understanding of our nature as human beings.

The volume is edited by John Cottingham, a leading authority on Descartes, whose introduction provides a clear overview of the issues addressed. The distinguished international team of contributors includes some of the best-known names in Descartes scholarship.

Contributors: Lilli Alanen, Michelle Beyssade, Vere Chappell, Donald Cress, Stephen Gaukroger, Ann Wilbur Mackenzie, Peter Markie, Carol Rovane, Peter Schouls, Tom Sorell, Stephen Voss, Howard Wickes, Bernard Williams, Margaret D. Wilson