The course is a general introduction to the philosophy of Descartes and the classical problems associated with it (e.g., the constitution of the modern subject, instrumental thinking, the problem of dualism, the Cartesian circle). The core text will be the Meditations on First Philosophy, but we will illuminate that text with excursions to the Objections and Replies, Discourse on Method, Passions of the Soul and Descartes; correspondence. Special emphasize will be put on the role of the will, and of Cartesian ethics, in addressing (if not quite 'solving') the classical metaphysical/epistemological challenges to Descartes.