This page aims to make learning about the philosophy of Descartes as easy as possible by bringing together the best articles, podcasts, and videos from across the internet onto one page. To get started, simply choose one of the resources listed below:
Encyclopedia Articles
This section features articles from the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy and the Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy. The SEP is probably the most comprehensive online philosophy resource. It features in-depth articles on a huge number of philosophical topics, however, it is aimed at an academic audience and may be too detailed and technical for beginners. The IEP is generally more beginner-friendly but is also considered to be less reliable. Wikipedia is also an option, but it is much less reliable than either of these.
Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
- René Descartes
- Descartes’ Life and Works
- Descartes’ Epistemology
- Descartes’ Ontological Argument
- Descartes’ Ethics
- Descartes’ Theory of Ideas
- Descartes’ Modal Metaphysics
- Descartes’ Physics
- Descartes and the Pineal Gland
- Descartes’ Mathematics
Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Articles
This section features short articles written by professional philosophers and aimed at a general audience. These articles are ideal for anyone looking for a shorter or more beginner-friendly introduction to Descartes than the encyclopedia articles listed above.
1000-Word Philosophy
Aeon
- How the dualism of Descartes ruined our mental health
- Descartes was wrong: ‘a person is a person through other persons’
The Times Literary Supplement
The New York Times (The Stone)
OUP Blog
Podcasts
This section features episodes from leading philosophy podcasts. These are also aimed at a general audience and are a good option for beginners who prefer audio content.
Philosophy Bites
In Our Time
The Philosopher’s Zone
Minerva
The Partially Examined Life
Short Videos (<30 mins)
This section features short videos aimed at beginners.
Wireless Philosophy
BBC Radio 4
Miscellaneous
Lectures/Longer Videos (>30 mins)
This section features longer videos and lectures.
Course Syllabi
See this page for course syllabi on Descartes.
Books
See this list of the best books on Descartes.
Courses
This section features online courses on Descartes.
- The Philosophy of Descartes – La Trobe University
Quotes
See this page for a selection of key quotes by Descartes.
The Daily Idea aims to make learning about philosophy as easy as possible by bringing together the best philosophy resources from across the internet. To get started, check out this organized collection of 400+ articles, podcasts, and videos on a wide range of philosophical topics.
A Collection of the Greatest Philosophical Quotations
