Descartes As A Moral Thinker

In this important reassessment of the great French philosopher, Gary Steiner shows the influence of Christian thought on the moral foundations of Descartes' philosophy. Beyond morality, he also connects Descartes' emphasis on scientific reasoning and his program to render human beings "the masters and possessors of nature" with forerunners in the Christian tradition. Steiner further demonstrates that Descartes' commitment to Christian piety, on the one hand, and his commitment to the autonomy of human reason, on the other, created an irreconcilable tension, which is reflected to this day in contemporary debates over the contributions of reason and faith to moral reflection.