Chapter 3 – The Mind: Substance Dualism of Descartes
The French philosopher René Descartes is widely known as one of the most influential figures in modern philosophy. He is famous for his theory of substance dualism, which posits that the mind and the body are two distinct substances. According to Descartes, the body is material, while the mind is immaterial. This perspective allows for the existence of immaterial human souls. Descartes’ arguments on the immaterial nature of the mind and soul have had a lasting impact, shaping the discourse on the philosophy of mind, and continue to be debated in contemporary theories.
Descartes’ philosophy of mind was a response to the decline of the traditional Aristotelian concept of substance. He addressed the Aristotelian view, which held that every substance is composed of matter determined by its form. In the case of living things, the soul was seen as what made a body alive and gave it its essence. Descartes questioned whether the soul, particularly the human mind, exists independently of the body.
The traditional Aristotelian approach viewed the form of a plant or an animal as their soul, and their destruction meant the loss of that form. However, the unique case of human beings presented the possibility that the mind may survive the death of the body. This idea of the immortality of the human mind has been a topic of philosophical and religious discussion throughout history.
Descartes’ theory of substances departs from the traditional Aristotelian approach. While he acknowledges the concept of substantial forms, he considers them unnecessary in his explanations. Instead, Descartes proposes that any material thing is merely an aggregate of qualities and properties. This departure from traditional views stirred debate and influenced subsequent philosophical discourses.
In response to Descartes’ substance dualism, philosopher Gilbert Ryle critiqued the idea of the mind and body being distinct entities that communicate with each other. Ryle argued that if Descartes’ theory were accurate, the mind would be separate from the body, rendering it incapable of causing actions in the physical world. Ryle’s criticism, along with other contemporary perspectives, illustrates the ongoing debate regarding Descartes’ views on substance dualism.
Overall, Descartes’ arguments for substance dualism and the immaterial nature of the mind have played a crucial role in the development of the philosophy of mind. His departure from traditional Aristotelian concepts and the ensuing debates it sparked have significantly influenced philosophical discourse, making Descartes a pivotal figure in the history of philosophy.
