The Philosophy of Descartes

The Relation of Mind and Body

Descartes' dualism of mind and body is a lasting legacy. Nowadays many people still believe the body is less well-known than the mind and that there is a mystery about ho

The Relation of Mind and Body (handout)

Descartes' dualism of mind and body is a lasting legacy. Nowadays many people still believe the body is less well-known than the mind and that there is a mystery about ho

Last-minute Creation

It might seem that Descartes' appeal to God in Meditation 4 as a guarantee that for the most part our memories can be trusted is not well-founded. By looking at the quest

Last-minute Creation (handout)

It might seem that Descartes' appeal to God in Meditation 4 as a guarantee that for the most part our memories can be trusted is not well-founded. By looking at the quest

A Secure Foundation for Knowledge?

By the end of the Meditation 2, Descartes is caught in a dilemma. On the one hand, everything can be doubted and so there is no prospect for secure and certain knowledge

A Secure Foundation for Knowledge? (handout)

By the end of the Meditation 2, Descartes is caught in a dilemma. On the one hand, everything can be doubted and so there is no prospect for secure and certain knowledge

The Wax Argument

One of Descartes' most striking arguments is the found in the treatment of a an example where he watches a piece of wax melt as he brings it close to a fire. By reflectin

The Wax Argument (handout)

One of Descartes' most striking arguments is the found in the treatment of a an example where he watches a piece of wax melt as he brings it close to a fire. By reflectin

Cogito Ergo Sum

The foundation of all science and other knowledge is found, according to Descartes, in the indubitable belief that I exist (the cogito claim). As soon as I have the thoug

Cogito Ergo Sum (handout)

The foundation of all science and other knowledge is found, according to Descartes, in the indubitable belief that I exist (the cogito claim). As soon as I have the thoug

Descartes, the Doubty Philosopher

An introduction to the life and work of Rene Descartes (1596 – 1650). In his collection of essays, called "Meditations", Descartes outlines a modern, rationalist philosop

Descartes, the Doubty Philosopher (handout)

An introduction to the life and work of Rene Descartes (1596 – 1650). In his collection of essays, called "Meditations", Descartes outlines a modern, rationalist philosop