Descartes Rationalism And The Strengths Of Cartesian Dualism

Cartesian Dualism, a theory coined by Rene Descartes and examined within his sixth mediation of Meditations of First Philosophy, explains and theorizes the idea of the mind and body as two distinct substances. The theory states that the mind is not merely a physical brain as another organ of the body, but rather the non-materialistic mind and material body are two different entities. The body, having elements of extension have a reality with spatial relevance as it entails form, texture, location and weight. In comparison, the mind has non-spatial components that consist of humans’ realm of thought as it includes consciousness, images, emotions beliefs and desires. Cartesian Dualism presents many simple and seemingly rational arguments such …show more content…
The strengths provided for Cartesian Dualism seem comforting at first glance of the theory as they are simplistic and easy to understand. Because of the consistent methodology that Descartes provides within his writing, the arguments break down one’s beliefs to a bare minimum. By providing a reason to agree with dualism, it offers consolation, as it accepts the desires of how people live and want to live; soulfully and mindfully, unattached to the action of only conforming to physical law. These arguments are appealing, but the weaknesses argued highlights significant logistical and rational problems. While credit should be given to Descartes as the science known during the time of publication of Meditations of First Philosophy was limited, the science known today including the functions of the brain and such matters provides further basis of argumentation. With the evidence of science as well as lived experiences, it becomes seemingly difficult to think of the once simplistic strengths of the theory as rational and therefore accurate. Thus, Cartesian Dualism is flawed for the weaknesses only further disproves the strengths, negating the logic and rationality behind the