The Philosophers' Yard Book Club: Descartes' Meditations (Online)

What if everything you think you know could be wrong? Join us online for an evening of open, curious conversation about one of the most influential books in Western philosophy.

About the Book

This month we’re reading René Descartes’ Meditations on First Philosophy (1641), a short but hugely influential book that helped launch modern philosophy. Across six meditations, Descartes sets out to doubt everything he has ever believed: his senses, the difference between waking and dreaming, even whether a deceiving demon controls his thoughts. He then tries to rebuild knowledge from the one thing he can’t doubt: that he is thinking. Along the way, he asks what the mind is, whether God exists, and how mind and body relate.

It matters because these questions about certainty, perception, and consciousness still shape philosophy, psychology, and science today. It’s written in a personal, almost diary-like voice, which makes it a good first philosophy book.

How the Evening Will Work

A relaxed, interactive discussion rather than a lecture. No expertise needed and no right answers.

• Settling in: a warm welcome and a quick tour of the six meditations.
• Breakout rooms: small-group conversations built around prompt questions.
• Whole-group discussion: we come back together to share and debate.
• Reflection: we close by sharing what stayed with us.

Prompt questions might include:

• Have your senses ever deceived you? Does that make them untrustworthy?
• Is “I think, therefore I exist” enough to rebuild certainty?
• Are mind and body really separate?

Before You Come

Please read the Meditations beforehand. Edition lengths vary, so allow a few hours. If you’re short on time, read at least the First and Second Meditations. Bring your questions, doubts, and objections.

Suggested Materials (Optional)

• A free edition of the full text (for example via Project Gutenberg)
• A short video introduction to Descartes’ method of doubt
• The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy entry on René Descartes

Details

• When: Wednesday 4 November, 6:00 pm UK time (about 2 hours)
• Where: online (link sent to registered attendees)

Who It’s For

Anyone curious about big questions, from lifelong philosophy fans to people who have never opened a philosophy book. All are welcome.