Publisher's Synopsis
Readers of Descartes, Kant and Hegel are often mystified by the central metaphysical, epistemological and ontological concepts, purposes, strategies and assumptions in their work. The aim of this work is to clarify the linkages between the foundational and metaphysical transformations that are developed by each thinker. Throughout, Cristaudo clarifies the relationship between these systems and changing conceptions of and problems about the nature and purpose of science and freedom. Cristaudo?s survey brings to the centre of the discussion ideas which are often neglected or marginalised by interpreters of these thinkers ? the role of dissimulation in Descartes? thought and the instrumental purpose of Cartesian metaphysics, the connection between Kant?s theory of mathematics and mechanics and the rationale of his dualism, the Fichtean and Schelligean roots of Hegel?s absolute idealism and the decisive influence that the opposition of faith and knowledge play in Hegel?s philosophy.
