Descartes on Forms and Mechanisms by Helen Hattab

Descartes on Forms and Mechanisms by Helen Hattab

The modern view of causation can be traced back to the mechanistic science of Descartes, whose rejection of Aristotelian physics, with its concept of substantial forms, in favor of mechanical explanations was a turning-point in the history of philosophy. However the reasoning which led Descartes and other early moderns in this direction is not well understood. This book traces Descartes' groundbreaking theory of scientific explanation back to the mathematical demonstrations of Aristotelian mechanics and interprets these advances in light of the available arguments for and against substantial forms. It also examines how Descartes' new theory led him to develop a metaphysical foundation for his science that could avoid skeptical objections. It will appeal to a wide range of readers interested in the philosophy and science of the early modern period.

'This is a subtle and learned book, and sheds light on a narrow but, Hattab argues, central slice of the debates around substantial forms in the early seventeenth century and the rise of the mechanical philosophyHattab provides important context for Descartes's arguments against Scholastic forms and adds detail to our understanding of both the object and motivation of his attack. She offers a stimulating reading not only of Descartes's relationship to contemporary Scholasticism, but also of his scientific method and metaphysical commitments at various stages in his career.' Journal of the History of Philosophy

Helen Hattab is Assistant Professor in the Department of Philosophy, University of Houston.

SKU	Unavailable
ISBN 13	9780521518925
ISBN 10	052151892X
Title	Descartes on Forms and Mechanisms
Author	Helen Hattab
Condition	Unavailable
Binding Type	Hardback
Publisher	Cambridge University Press
Year published	2009-07-23
Number of pages	246
Cover note	Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.