Rene Descartes' Meditations, Objections, and Replies (8 Week Course)

study one of the greatest and most influential works of Western philosophy (starts June 15)

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Join us for an 8-week intensive study focused on one of the most important and influential works in Western Philosophy, Rene Descartes' Meditations on First Philosophy. During each week's 90-minute online class session (recorded for students) we will work through portions of the Descartes' text together. We will also spend the final two weeks of the course examining objections raised against Descartes' Meditations and Descartes' own replies to those. Tuition includes the class sessions, access to discussion forums, downloadable handouts and worksheets, and other useful resources.


"Philosophy classics always intimidated me. I couldn't follow a lot of it, and I did not get much out of reading. When I went to study with Dr. Greg Sadler, he helped me read the works in pieces while helping me understand. The best part is, h encouraged me to think about how some of these ancient ideas could be applied into my own life. I found him very personable, and kind. Absolutely fantastic mentor!"

- Scott Tarulli

"Studying philosophy is rewarding but can also be challenging and lonely. Dr Sadler makes classical and modern texts approachable and accessible, while his classes bring me into conversation with fellow learners. His teaching has not only given me intellectual understanding but also a better appreciation for how I can put philosophy into practice."

- Marc Smit

Course Curriculum



Your Instructor


Gregory B. Sadler
Gregory B. Sadler

After a successful career as a college professor, researcher, and administrator, I started our company, ReasonIO (with my wife and partner, Andi Sciacca) in order to help people study and apply philosophy in public, practical, and professional contexts. I continue teaching philosophy, literature, religious studies, and humanities courses at the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design.

I take difficult philosophical texts, thinkers, and topics, and make them accessible for everyday people. That's how philosophy gets traction and remains closely connected with real life! The work I do with ReasonIO includes online course development and teaching, public speaking, organizational and ethics consulting, tutorial sessions, development of philosophy content, and philosophical counseling.

My work and expertise covers a wide range of topics, thinkers, and texts in western philosophy, ranging through ancient, medieval, modern, and late modern periods. Among the schools, movements, and traditions I draw upon are Platonism, Aristotelianism, Stoicism, Patristic and Medieval Christian thought, Dialectical thought, Existentialism, Critical Theory, and Philosophy as a Way of Life.

From 2016 to 2022, I served as the Editor of Stoicism Today. I remain a member of the Modern Stoicism, ltd. team. I am also the producer of the Half Hour Hegel series, which is nearing its completion. I have authored one book (Reason Fulfilled By Revelation), edited two volumes (Stoicism Today Selected Essays, volume 3 and volume 4), and published dozens of articles, book chapters, and encyclopedia entries. Although I work in significant part outside of the academy, I remain actively engaged in research and scholarship.

In recent years, I have held a Research Residency at the Institute for Saint Anselm Studies, been a Visiting Scholar position at European Graduate School, and was a Charles Chesnutt Library Fellow. I am also an APPA-certified Philosophical Counselor.


Frequently Asked Questions


When does the course start and finish?
The course starts officially with the first class session on Saturday June 15 and ends with the final class session on August 3. Once you're enrolled, you can certainly go in and start exploring before the first class session
How long do I have access to the course?
How does lifetime access sound? After enrolling, you have unlimited access to this course for as long as you like - across any and all devices you own.
What if I am unhappy with the course?
We would never want you to be unhappy! If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, contact us in the first 30 days and we will give you a full refund.
Do I need to already have studied Descartes to take this class?
You don't need to have already studied Descartes. That's what the class is for - introducing students to his work, thought, and key ideas. Whether you're a complete beginner or an intermediate student with some background in philosophy, you'll get a lot out of this class