The Descartes Dictionary

Reviews / Votes

The Descartes Dictionary is a well-conceived resource for undergraduate students, particularly those writing on Descartes for the first time. It helps to relate philosophical issues to the systematic context, and directs the reader to the appropriate range of texts. It is also valuable for the carefully chosen references to secondary literature. -- Joseph Zepeda, Assistant Professor, Integral Program of Liberal Arts, Saint Mary's College of California, USA In straightforward and non-technical language, Smith discusses Descartes' major terms, concepts, and interlocutors. An indispensable companion for students engaging with Descartes' philosophical system for the first time. -- Julie Walsh, Assistant Professor of Philosophy, Universite du Quebec a Montreal, Canada Kurt Smith's Descartes Dictionary is a good resource for students coming to Descartes' writings for the first time. * Philosophy in Review * Smith offers this dictionary of terminology from the major works and correspondence of Rene Descartes ... Smith's explanations are lucid and incorporate helpful examples to illustrate some of the more difficult concepts for novice readers of Descartes. Smith nevertheless engages in some significant hermeneutical work here that will be of interest to more-advanced students. Many entries refer readers to helpful secondary-source materials included in the bibliography ... this is a helpful reference work. Summing Up: Recommended. Undergraduates and graduate students. -- D. A. Forbes, West Chester University of Pennsylvania * CHOICE * ... provides the reader with a comprehensive picture of Descartes' thought. All the main disciplines that Descartes considered important and dealt with (metaphysics, physics, mechanics, medicine, and morals) are touched on in this overall presentation of his views ... Kurt Smith's Descartes Dictionary is a good resource for students coming to Descartes' writings for the first time. -- Andreea Mihali, Wilfrid Laurier University * Philosophy in Review *