The Correspondence between Princess Elisabeth of Bohemia and René Descartes (The Other Voice in Early Modern Europe)

ISBN: 0226204421

Author: Princess Elisabeth of Bohemia

Condition: New

Between the years 1643 and 1649, Princess Elisabeth of Bohemia (1618-80) and René Descartes (1596-1650) exchanged fifty-eight letters-thirty-two from Descartes and twenty-six from Elisabeth. Their correspondence contains the only known extant philosophical writings by Elisabeth, revealing her mastery of metaphysics, analytic geometry, and moral philosophy, as well as her keen interest in natural philosophy. The letters are essential reading for anyone interested in Descartess philosophy, in particular his account of the human being as a union of mind and body, as well as his ethics. They also provide a unique insight into the character of their authors and the way ideas develop through intellectual collaboration.Philosophers have long been familiar with Descartess side of the correspondence. Now Elisabeths letters-never before available in translation in their entirety-emerge this volume, adding much-needed context and depth both to Descartess ideas and the legacy of the princess. Lisa Shapiros annotated edition-which also includes Elisabeths correspondence with the Quakers William Penn and Robert Barclay-will be heralded by students of philosophy, feminist theorists, and historians of the early modern period.