Philosophy midterm

matter according to Descartes

Matter is defined by extension, divisibility, and motion, rather than sensory properties.

wax example used to illustrate in Descartes' philosophy

It shows that matter is fundamentally extended substance and not merely sensory attributes.

Causal Interaction Problem in relation to mind and body

It questions how a non-physical mind can interact with a physical body in a mechanistic universe.

Cogito

The statement 'I think, therefore I am', which establishes existence through the act of thinking.

Spinoza's metaphysics

God and Nature are the same, indicating a pantheistic view.

Leibniz's Principle of Sufficient Reason

Everything has a reason for being as it is.

Monads according to Leibniz

Simple, indivisible substances that mirror the universe.

Marks & Traces Doctrine

It suggests that lower monads retain traces of past states, leading to continuity in experience.

Difference between Logical Necessity and Contingent Certainty

Logical Necessity must be true in all possible worlds, while Contingent Certainty is true in this world but could differ in others.

animal minds

Leibniz believes animals have lower monads that continue to perceive, while Descartes sees them as mere machines without souls.