CONWAY, Ark. (Nov. 1, 2005) - Hendrix professor Fred Ablondi is the author of a new book about one of the leading French Cartesians of the 17th century. The book is entitled Gerauld de Cordemoy: Atomist, Occasionalist, Cartesian.
Ablondi, an associate professor of philosophy at Hendrix, contributes to the understanding of 17th century philosophical thought in this scholarly work, the first book-length treatment in English of Cordemoy's work.
Published by Marquette University Press, the 130-page book offers a general introduction to Cordemoy, as well as some of the interpretations of his work, including those made by Cordemoy's contemporaries and by recent scholars.
Through analysis and reconstruction of his arguments, Ablondi illustrates how Cordemoy arrived at his atomism and occasionalism. Though Cordemoy deviated from "orthodox" Cartesianism, Ablondi makes the argument that the philosopher remained very much within the Cartesian tradition.
Ablondi received his doctorate in philosophy from Marquette University in 1995. His classes at Hendrix focus on early modern philosophy, epistemology and metaphysics.
Hendrix, founded in 1876, is a selective, residential, undergraduate liberal arts college emphasizing experiential learning in a demanding yet supportive environment. Selected this year by the Princeton Review as the nation's No. 4 "best value" college, Hendrix has been affiliated with the United Methodist Church since 1884. For more information, visit www.hendrix.edu.
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Contact: Judy Williams, 501/450-1462, williamsj@hendrix.edu