Rene Descartes is famous as the philosopher who was prepared to doubt everything - even his own physical existence. Most people also know that he said, 'I think, therefore I am', even if they are not always sure why he said this, or what he really meant by it.

This neat, compact guide explains what Descartes doubted, and why he is usually called the father of modern philosophy. It is a clear and accessible discussion of all the puzzling questions that Descartes asked about human beings and their place in the world. It gives a lucid account of his contributions to modern science, mathematics and the Philosophy of Mind, and also reveals why Descartes liked to do all of his serious thinking in bed. Dave Robinson's incisive text, wittily illustrated by Chris Garratt, is essential reading for anybody who wants to understand how contemporary philosophy began.

This series of graphic guides covers every key thinker and topic in philosophy, psychology, science, politics, religion, cultural studies, linguistics and more. Written by experts and illustrated by leading graphic artists, there is no better way to acquaint yourself with the biggest and best ideas humanity has ever come up with.