A decorative typographic ornament featuring a central set of parenthesis-like curves flanked by two stylized flowers or rosettes.

Contents.

Of the entire book.

Chapter 1.

How we recognize that we exist, and

what use this knowledge knowledge: German "Erkäntnis." In Wolff’s philosophy, this refers to "cognition"—the process by which the mind represents things to itself. He begins with the self because the certainty of one's own existence is the starting point for all other truths. is to us.

Chapter 2.

On the first grounds of our know-

ledge and all things in general original: "überhaupt." This chapter covers Ontology, the branch of philosophy dealing with the nature of being and the most basic categories of existence..

Chapter 3.

On the soul soul: German "Seele." Wolff treats the soul here in an empirical sense—observing what we can actually perceive about our own mental states and thoughts. in general, namely, what

we perceive

concerning it.

Chapter 4.

On the World original: "Welt." This section covers Cosmology, exploring the laws of nature and the arrangement of the physical universe as a machine-like system created by God..

Chapter 5.

On the essence of the soul and of a

spirit spirit: German "Geist." While "soul" often refers to the animating principle of a living body, "spirit" refers to the immaterial, thinking substance that possesses reason and a free will. in general.

Chapter 6.

On GOD This final chapter covers Natural Theology, using reason alone to prove the existence and attributes of God..