MEDITATIONS ON FIRST PHILOSOPHY AND DISCOURSE ON THE METHOD

In these two short works from the mid-1600s, Descartes engages skepticism to establish a basis for philosophy. The books are personal only in the sense that Descartes begins by examining himself, but narrator Mark Meadows humanizes them by giving Descartes a distinct persona. He comes across as curious, intelligent, always questioning, earnest but not self-important, open to doubt, and unassuming yet confident in his methods and their results. Meadows's Descartes is someone who gives careful weight to each phrase, as if thinking it out as he speaks, which helps elucidate the meaning. Still, the text is not simple and may require relistening. But Meadows's skill and sensitivity enliven and enrich the text, providing an unusual and engaging take on these works so important in the history of philosophy. W.M. © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine [Published: MARCH 2020]