Post-Cartesian Controversies

Abstract

The significance of philosophers can be measured not only by what they have contributed to philosophy that is new, but also by what novelties have aroused interest and controversy. In these considerations, I will focus on the latter issue. However, it cannot be considered without the former. Using both measures, Descartes proves to be one of the most significant and influential modern philosophers. His shift in the point of importance in philosophy from God to man using his cognitive powers has found many followers in later times. They include not only those who agreed with him on fundamental philosophical issues, but also those who criticized the assumptions he made and the solutions he proposed. Not in every case was this criticism accompanied by their accurate recognition. However, it is also worth taking a closer look at those who misread them on more than one point. They are also an important voice in the discussion on Descartes' place in modern philosophy.