How Do I Cite Rene Descartes Meditations?

Mastering the Art of Citation: A Guide to Referencing Descartes’ Meditations

In the labyrinth of academic writing, one often finds themselves at the crossroads of needing to cite authoritative sources to bolster their arguments. René Descartes’ “Meditations on First Philosophy” is one such cornerstone work, frequently called upon in discussions spanning philosophy, epistemology, and the metaphysics. Yet, citing this seminal piece can sometimes feel like untangling a Gordian knot. Fret not, for we’re here to slice through the confusion with surgical precision.

Citing Descartes Like a Pro: Formats Unveiled

Ah, the world of citation – a place where the devil truly is in the details. Fear not; we’re diving into the specifics, covering multiple citation styles. Whether you’re an APA aficionado, obsessed with MLA, or a die-hard Chicago style fan, we’ve got you covered. Let the citation games begin!

APA Style – The American Psychological Association Way

When using APA style, to cite Descartes, you’re playing by the rules of author-date citation. Given that Descartes’ work spans centuries, the original publication year is often juxtaposed with the year of the edition you’ve consulted.

• In-Text Citation: (Descartes, 1641/1996)
• Reference List: Descartes, R. (1996). Meditations on First Philosophy (J. Cottingham, Trans.). Cambridge University Press. (Original work published 1641)

MLA Style – For the Modern Language Association Enthusiasts

MLA style enjoys its place in the humanities, offering a more streamlined approach to citation that’s as sleek as it is effective.

• In-Text Citation: (Descartes 17)
• Works Cited Entry: Descartes, René. Meditations on First Philosophy. Translated by John Cottingham, Cambridge University Press, 1996.

Bear in mind, MLA prefers the translator to be mentioned (if available), and remember, those page numbers need to be as accurate as a clockmaker’s tools when citing specific sections.

The Chicago Style – A Footnote Fanatic’s Dream

If footnotes and endnotes are your playground, then Chicago style is your home game. The beauty of this style is how it accommodates nuances in citation, perfect for historical and philosophical texts.

• Footnote/Endnote: René Descartes, Meditations on First Philosophy, trans. John Cottingham (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1996), 45.

The first citation of a work requires a full Note citation. For subsequent citations, a shortened form can be used, such as:

• Shortened Note: Descartes, Meditations, 47.

Remember, the bibliography entry (should you choose to include one) mirrors that of the reference list entry in APA, but with a few stylistic tweaks:

• Bibliography Entry: Descartes, René. Meditations on First Philosophy. Translated by John Cottingham. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1996.

Citing with Confidence

With the roadmap above, you’re now equipped to navigate the citation highway like a pro. Whether it’s APA, MLA, or Chicago, remember that consistency is king. Stick to your chosen style like a ship to its lighthouse, and the rocky shores of citation errors will be adeptly avoided. So, go ahead, pay homage to Descartes’ profound contributions to philosophy by citing him correctly. After all, in the realm of academic writing, to cite accurately is not only to respect the forebears of thought but to engage in a dialogue with history itself. Happy citing!