The 17th-century mathematician René Descartes wrote two books: a very short one called the Discourse on Method and a somewhat longer one called Meditations on First Philosophy. And everything changed. Whether accepted or rejected, his ideas have shaped the Western mind ever since. We will read and discuss these two works as we try to form our own opinions about his insights. What made his thought so revolutionary? Is it still valid? The reading assignments will not be long; the discussions might be.

Moderator: Michael Marchal has an AB in English and History from Xavier and a PhD (cand.) from Fordham. He taught high school English for 44 years as well as philosophy as an adjunct in various colleges. He has written numerous articles as well and is still frustrated that the pandemic disrupted his travel plans.