A collection of more than 30 specially commissioned essays, this volume surveys the work of the 17th-century philosopher-scientist commonly regarded as the founder of modern philosophy, while integrating unique essays detailing the context and impact of his work.

• Covers the full range of historical and philosophical perspectives on the work of Descartes
• Discusses his seminal contributions to our understanding of skepticism, mind-body dualism, self-knowledge, innate ideas, substance, causality, God, and the nature of animals
• Explores the philosophical significance of his contributions to mathematics and science
• Concludes with a section on the impact of Descartes's work on subsequent philosophers