Philosophical Works · Characters
Character guide
Key figures in Philosophical Works by René Descartes.
Narrator
major
Also known as I, me, myself, mine
The first-person philosophical voice guiding the reader through meditations and arguments.
René Descartes
major
Also known as Descartes, La Vie de M. Descartes
Author and central philosopher, presenting his method of doubt and metaphysical proofs.
God
major
Also known as Deity
The perfect being whose existence Descartes seeks to prove through clear and distinct ideas.
Aristotle
supporting
Also known as Aristotle
Ancient philosopher whose works are frequently referenced and critiqued by Descartes.
Democritus
minor
Also known as Democritus
Pre-Socratic philosopher whose atomist theory is discussed in relation to materialism.
Epicurus
minor
Also known as Epicurus
Hellenistic philosopher whose hedonistic ethics are contrasted with Cartesian rationalism.
Plato
minor
Also known as Plato
Classical philosopher whose theory of Forms is compared to Descartes' innate ideas.
Archimedes
minor
Also known as Archimedes
Ancient mathematician used as an example of certain knowledge and method.
Henricus Regius
minor
Also known as Regius
Dutch philosopher and correspondent of Descartes, known for his mechanistic views.
Antoine Arnauld
minor
Also known as Arnauld
French theologian and philosopher who raised objections to Descartes' Meditations.
Garnier
minor
Also known as Garnier
Editor or commentator referenced in the text's apparatus.
Hamilton
minor
Also known as Hamilton
Philosopher or critic mentioned in passing in the text.
Louis de La Forge
minor
Also known as De la Forge
French Cartesian physician and commentator on Descartes' physiology.
The Cartesians
minor
Also known as the Cartesians
Followers of Descartes' philosophy, discussed as a school of thought.
The Atheists
minor
Also known as the atheists , who are in general sciolists rather than ingenious or learned
Opponents of religious belief criticized by Descartes as superficial thinkers.
