Kreeft states that Socrates and Descartes are perhaps the two most important philosophers who have ever lived; they are the two who made the most difference to all philosophers after them. These two fathers of philosophy stand at the beginning of two basic philosopher options: the classical and the modern.

Kreeft focuses on seven features that unite these two major philosophers and distinguish them from all others. So this dialogue is one between the fundamental stages in the history of philosopher, the history of consciousness, and the history of Western culture. Socrates Meets Descartes is a profound and witty reading that makes for an entertaining and insightful exploration of modern philosophy.