Meditations on first philosophy

Written in 1641, 'Meditations on First Philosophy' is a seminal work by René Descartes that outlines his metaphysical system.

The book consists of six meditations where Descartes employs methodic doubt to question all beliefs that are not absolutely certain.

He aims to establish a secure foundation for knowledge, affirming the existence of the thinking self with the statement 'I think, therefore I am' (Latin: 'Cogito, ergo sum').

Descartes also argues for the existence of God and the distinction between mind and body, using innate ideas and rational reasoning.

The work includes critical responses from other thinkers and Descartes's replies, making it a landmark in cooperative philosophical discussion.