Divine Will and the Mechanical Philosophy

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Exploring the evolution of thought from medieval theology to seventeenth-century mechanical philosophy, the book delves into how concepts of contingency and necessity shaped ideas about matter and knowledge. It contrasts the views of Pierre Gassendi, who emphasized empirical methods and divine contingency, with those of Rene Descartes, who proposed a world of necessary relations allowing for a priori knowledge. The discussion highlights the theological roots of their philosophies and how these influenced emerging scientific approaches in the late seventeenth century.