Principles of Philosophy
Four parts construct a system moving from principles of knowledge to bodies, the heavens and the earth, connecting metaphysics with physics.
Understanding the text
The Latin edition of 1644 was followed by a French translation in 1647 with an important prefatory letter.
Key points
- 01
Substance
Thought and extension define two kinds of attributes whose modes describe particular things.
- 02
Motion
Laws and collision rules seek a deductive physics, although several results are mistaken.
- 03
System
The tree of philosophy locates metaphysics, physics and practical sciences within an order of dependence.
How to read it
Read the prefatory letter and part one. Then compare the ideal of certainty with cosmological hypotheses; unity of purpose does not guarantee every result’s truth.
Editions & sources
Summaries and key points are original editorial interpretations. They accompany reading the work and do not replace an edition of the text. Editorial method ↗