Rene Descartes

Join René Descartes, the pioneering French philosopher and mathematician, as he takes you on a journey through Six Metaphysical Meditations. Discover the necessity of questioning your beliefs to find truths. Explore the intricate dance between doubt and certainty, the essence of existence, and how thinking affirms being. Delve into the nature of ideas and the interplay between perception and reality. Experience a dialogue with profound thoughts on divinity, human limitation, and the pursuit of knowledge that will captivate and enlighten.

René Descartes, a key figure in modern philosophy, dives into his groundbreaking contributions that set the stage for rational thought. He discusses his systematic approach to knowledge and the methods that challenge skepticism. Descartes explores the quest for indisputable truth, highlighting the importance of questioning established beliefs. The conversation leads into the nature of reality and perception, examining the mind-body problem and the reliability of senses. He also touches on the philosophical impact of thinkers like Hume and Kant, emphasizing their revolutionary ideas.

Melvyn Bragg and guests explore Descartes' famous 'Cogito ergo sum'. They discuss his methodical doubt, mind-body separation, and the enduring impact of his philosophy. The podcast delves into Descartes' education, dreams, and pursuit of foundational knowledge through skepticism and reasoning.