Meditations on First Philosophy

Meditations on First Philosophy, written by René Descartes in 1641, is a foundational text in early modern philosophy. In this work, Descartes explores essential questions about existence, knowledge, and the nature of reality, introducing concepts like substance dualism and skepticism about the external world. The text is notable for its rigorous argumentation and its influence on subsequent philosophical thought, particularly in establishing a mathematical foundation for science. Descartes' reflections also reflect the tensions of his time, particularly in light of Galileo's heresy trial.