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Principles of Philosophy

Rene Descartes

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Table of Contents

Summary and Analysis

Introduction

I.1–12: Doubt and the Cogito

I.8–12: A Thinking Thing

I.13–27:God's Existence

I.19–30: The Nature of God and the Validation of Clear and Distinct Perceptions

I.31–51: Sources of Error, Free Will, and Basic Ontology

I.52–59: Substances, Modes, Principle Attributes

I.60–65: Mind Body Dualism

I.66–75: The Senses

II.1–3: The Existence and nature of Material Bodies

II.10–22: Space

II.23–35: Motion

II.36–64:Causes of Motion

III.1–44: The Motion of the Heavens

III.45–266: Origins of the Universe

IV:1–187: Terrestrial Phenomena

IV.188–207: Physiology, Psychology, and Mind-Body Interaction

Important Quotations Explained

Key Facts

Study Questions and Suggested Essay Topics

Quiz

Suggestions for Further Reading

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