Divine Will and the Mechanical Philosophy

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Exploring the evolution of thought from medieval theology to seventeenth-century mechanical philosophy, this book delves into how concepts of contingency and necessity shaped scientific inquiry. It contrasts the views of Pierre Gassendi, who emphasized empirical knowledge and divine contingency, with René Descartes, who argued for inherent necessary relations in the natural world. The text highlights how their theological backgrounds influenced their philosophical frameworks, reflecting broader shifts in epistemology and metaphysics during this transformative period in intellectual history.