Cartesian logic : an essay on Descartes's conception of inference / Stephen Gaukroger

Gaukroger, Stephen

ISBN 10: 0198248253 / ISBN 13: 9780198248255

Published by Oxford : Clarendon Press, 1989

About this Item

Fine cloth copy in an equally fine dust-wrapper. Particularly well-preserved overall; tight, bright, clean and especially sharp-cornered. Physical description; [160]p : ill ; 22cm. Subjects; Descartes, René 1596-1650 Contributions in logic of inference. Descartes, René 1596-1650; history. Descartes, Rene Criticism and interpretation. Inference History. Inference In logic. French philosophy Descartes, Rene 1596-1650. 1 Kg.

Seller Inventory # 350749

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Cartesian logic : an essay on Descartes's conception of inference / Stephen Gaukroger
• Publisher: Oxford : Clarendon Press
• Publication Date: 1989
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0198248253
• ISBN 13: 9780198248255
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: First Edition.

About this title

Synopsis

This book deals with a neglected episode in the history of logic and theories of cognition: the way in which conceptions of inference changed during the seventeenth century. The author focuses on the work of Descartes, contrasting his construal of inference as an instantaneous grasp in accord with the natural light of reason, with the Aristotelian view of inference as a discursive process. Gaukroger offers a new interpretation of Descartes`s contribution to the question, revealing it to be a significant advance over humanist and late Scholastic conceptions. He argues that Descartes's account played a pivotal role in the development of our understanding of the nature of inference.

Review

'the volume contains a wealth of scholarly detail and includes valuable chapters on how Descartes's view of inference relates to his work in mathematics and natural science'imes Higher Education Supplement

'he makes a very welcome contribution to Descartes scholarship, and to one of the neglected strands of the history of logic' D.M. Clarke, University College, Cork, Ireland, History and Philosophy of Logic, 10 (1991)

'Gaukroger assists his readers with transparent prose and gentle transitions ... a work of quality'Struan Jacobs, Deakin University Vol. 71, No. 3; September 1993