Do I Exist? Decartes on God, the Soul, and Matter

After discussing Leibniz, one of the last great rationalist philosophers of the age, we will be moving (backwards) into Descartes. Leibniz responded to Descartes and criticized him in many ways; viz., his skepticism of the material world, final causes, body/soul dualism among many others. Let us turn to the man himself to see if we can think and therefore be! Cogito ergo Sum! We will be reading the Meditations on First Philosophy.

I am reading the Haldane and G.R.T. Ross translation which can be found free online (I am reading it the Great Books of the Western World Series, volume thirty one)
Moriarty Translation (Oxford Pub Co.) free online
The Cress Translation (Hackett Publishing Co.) is $10 on Amazon
The Clarke Translation (Penguin Classics) is $9 on Amazon

Please make sure to read this one so we can have a fruitful discussion, it's only about 30-40 pages. If you are reading digitally, make sure you can annotate the text. Bring the book and an open mind! Can't wait to see everyone.

Format:
6:30-7:45 pm - Discussion of the text
7:45-7:50 pm - Brief intermission for restroom and stretching

7:50-8:30 pm - Open dialogue on themes or concepts from the text
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About:

You can find us outside in the back at the Soulful Steep Cafe. Bring the current discussion text (it’s OK if you don’t have it or haven’t read it—still come!), questions, and an open mind. The environment is casual; however, be prepared for thoughtful and challenging discussion.
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Rules:

1. Respect one another
2. Engage each other honestly
3. Don’t interrupt
4. Seek to understand
5. Allow others to speak

We hope to see you there!