Cartesian Mechanisms and Transcendental Philosophy


Συγγραφέας: Anthony F. Beavers


Anthony F. Beavers: Cartesian Mechanisms and Transcendental Philosophy (pdf, 83K)
Descartes was of two minds about many things. Two that concern this conference are his stated motives for writing the Meditations and his views on mind/body relations. He tells us in different places that he wrote the Meditations 1) to aid our understanding of God and the soul and 2) to put science on a firm foundation. Additionally, he presents a theory of mind/body relations in the Meditations and yet another in the correspondence with Princess Elizabeth. Given his disparity on these issues, confusion over what Descartes really thought is understandable. It begins immediately with the Meditations, as is witnessed by the objections and replies that follow; and much later, in 1953, signs of persisting confusion are present in Gu