Descartes and Elizabeth correspondence: the dialogue of the philosopher and the princess in philosophy, politics, and sciences

Author's name: Descartes Publisher: Al-Rafidain for Publishing and Distribution Year of publication: 2019 Literary classification: Correspondence literature Book overview: The correspondence between Elizabeth and Descartes is an interesting blend that includes a collective history and a autobiography, as well as deep philosophical comments that illuminate it. The importance of Princess Elizabeth's letters to her friend Descartes lies in the fact that her questions to the philosopher sparked his thinking more seriously, and made him delve into the issues of ethics, emotions, and politics. Tracking the letters shows that seven years of correspondence led to the development and enrichment of their relationship, which evolved from attraction to acquaintance, to mutual admiration, and finally to friendship, despite it coming late in Descartes' life, and early in Elizabeth's life, as she was approximately twenty-four years old. Nevertheless, it seemed that the age difference was hardly noticeable. Moreover, perhaps the most distinctive feature of these correspondences is that they provide a philosophical document through which one can understand the beginning of the philosophical interest of this princess.