On Descartes' Metaphysical Prism: The Constitution and the Limits of Onto-theo-logy in Cartesian ThoughtDoes Descartes belong to metaphysics? What do we mean when we say "metaphysics"? These questions form the point of departure for Jean-Luc Marion's groundbreaking study of Cartesian thought. Analyses of Descartes' notion of the ego and his idea of God show that if Descartes represents the fullest example of metaphysics, he no less transgresses its limits. Writing as philosopher and historian of philosophy, Marion uses Heidegger's concept of metaphysics to interpret the Cartesian corpus—an interpretation strangely omitted from Heidegger's own history of philosophy. This interpretation complicates and deepens the Heideggerian concept of metaphysics, a concept that has dominated twentieth-century philosophy. Examinations of Descartes' predecessors (Aristotle, Augustine, Aquinas, and Suarez) and his successors (Leibniz, Spinoza, and Hegel) clarify the meaning of the Cartesian revolution in philosophy. Expertly translated by Jeffrey Kosky, this work will appeal to historians of philosophy, students of religion, and anyone interested in the genealogy of contemporary thought and its contradictions. |
What people are saying - Write a review
We haven't found any reviews in the usual places.
Other editions - View all
On Descartes' Metaphysical Prism: The Constitution and the Limits of Onto ... Jean-Luc Marion No preview available - 1999 |
Common terms and phrases
according actually admits already appears attributes becomes called Cartesian causa cause charity claim clearly cogitatio cogito concept concerns confirmed consider constitution contradiction decision defined definition depend Descartes determination distinction divine doubt effect English trans essence established evidence excellence existence fact figure finally finite follows formula idea immediately included infinite infinity interpretation knowledge known least less limits longer mathematics matter means Meditatio Metaphysica metaphysics method mind modified nature object onto-theo-logy ontological origin Paris Pascal passes perfect philosophy physics position possible precisely present primacy Principia principle proof PW III quae quam question quod rational reason reference relation remains respectively Saint sense short simple sive soul subsistence substance substantia theology things thinking third thought tion true truth understand universal
Bibliographic information
| Title | On Descartes' Metaphysical Prism: The Constitution and the Limits of Onto-theo-logy in Cartesian Thought |
| Author | Jean-Luc Marion |
| Edition | illustrated |
| Publisher | University of Chicago Press, 1999 |
| ISBN | 0226505391, 9780226505398 |
| Length | 370 pages |
| Export Citation | BiBTeX EndNote RefMan |