cartesian dualism

  1. during what time did Descartes live? why is this significant?

    He lived during the 17th century, which was the Age of Enlightenment. His promotion of reason, scepticism and individualism aligned with the values of the Enlightenment.

  2. how did his academic background influence his philosophy?

    He had a solid background in maths and science, influencing his philosophical approach were he utilised methodical and rational methods to problem-solving.

  3. what claim did he make in ‘Le Monde’?

    He proposed a heliocentric model of the universe; suggested that the Earth and other planets revolved around the sun, departing from the geocentric views of the time.

  4. why did Descartes have to be careful about what he said?

    Because his philosophical ideas challenged the traditional beliefs and authority of the Roman Catholic Church, which held much power and influence over Europe at the time. Contradicting religious doctrine could lead to heresy accusations + persecution

  5. what did Descartes want to demonstrate in his work ‘Meditation’?

    He sought to demonstrate the existence of certain knowledge by subjecting all his beliefs to radical doubt and scepticism. He aimed to establish a foundation of knowledge that could not be doubted » “Cogito, ergo sum” (I think, therefore I am)

  6. what did Descartes mean by ‘hyperbolic doubt’?

    It refers to his method of extreme scepticism in which he doubted/questioned all of his beliefs and knowledge, even those that seemed most certain, in order to find a foundation of knowledge that could not be doubted.

  7. why does Descartes initially argue that we cannot know anything for certain?

    Descartes initially argues that we cannot know anything for certain because he wanted to subject all his beliefs to rigorous doubt and scepticism to establish an absolutely secure foundation for knowledge.

  8. what does Descartes eventually conclude we can know for certain?

    "Cogito, ergo sum" (I think, therefore I am), which signifies the certainty of our own existence as thinking beings.

  9. how exactly are Descartes’ mind and body distinct?

    Descartes' mind and body are distinct in that the mind is non-material and thinking, while the body is material and extended, and they interact through the pineal gland.

  10. what final question is Descartes then left with?
    Descartes is left with the final question of how the non-material mind and the material body interact and communicate with each other, a problem known as the mind-body interaction problem.

  11. how/why does Descartes argue the pineal gland is what provides the connection between mind and body?

    Descartes believed the pineal gland was the point of connection between mind and body due to its unique location in the brain and its singularity (not duplicated). He thought it allowed the non-material mind to influence the material body.