Copleston, an Oxford Jesuit and specialist in the history of philosophy, created his history as an introduction for Catholic ecclesiastical seminaries. The 11-volume series gives an accessible account of each philosopher's work, and explains their relationship to the work of other philosophers.

'A monumental history . . . learned, lucid, patient and comprehensive.' NEW STATESMAN 'We can only applaud at the end of each act and look forward to applauding again at the final curtain.' TIMES LITERARY SUPPLEMENT Frederick Copleston was Professor of the History of Philosophy and Dean of the Faculty of Theology at London University. This eleven-volume work is one of the most remarkable single-handed scholarly enterprises of modern times. Brimming with detail and enthusiasm, A History of Philosophy gives an accessible account of philosophers from all eras and explains their works in relation to other philosophers. Each volume is an ideal guide for students studying specific eras and as a set offers a complete and unrivalled overview of the entire western philosophical tradition. Volume 4 The Rationalists In an extensive opening chapter Copleston introduces the reader to the modern philosophy of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. This fourth volume of A History of Philosophy details the work and influence of the three major rationalist thinkers of this period: Descartes, Leibniz and Spinoza, dealing with the epistemological issues they raise (Descartes' 'I think, therefore I am') as well as the ontological issues (Leibniz's proof of God and Spinoza's materialism). Descartes Leibniz Malebranche Pascal Spinoza