Factual:
Descartes is known as the "father of ________?"
A. Philosophy
B. Modern philosophy
C. Free Will
D. Montaigne
(correct answer B)
What is the name for the theory that the mind and body are separate entities?
Answer: Cartesian Dualism
Discussion:
Do you agree with Descartes' theory that the mind and body are separate entities?
Who's philosophy, Montaigne's or Descartes', do you agree with?
I personally sympathize more with Montaigne's philosophy. He believed that people should "appreciate their own ignorance" in the process of becoming a humbled being. I agree with this statement in the regards that it is impossible for humans to know everything, and to an extent, we need to accept that. Unlike Montaigne, Descartes believed that truth is very much possible, which I do not think is true. I think the world is filled with many unanswerable questions, and questions that need no answer.
ReplyDeleteI don't know if I can agree or disagree with Descartes' theory of cartesian dualism because it exists in someone's reality regardless of what I think. However, do I believe in it? I'm undecided, to be honest. I like the idea of it. I think the notion can be applied in different ways, such as your body may feel one way, but your mind feels another (all the classic love songs/movies/etc). I'm not sure if that is what Descartes was going for, but in any respect, his philosophy lives on. However, I don't think I can agree that I believe its a biologically true statement. Your mind is connected to your body and your body is connected to your mind. I guess the reason I'm undecided is because I love the romance of the notion.
ReplyDeleteI'm, yet again, undecided on whether or not I agree with Descartes or Montaigne more. Something Dr. Oliver said has stuck with me from class. He mentioned that to teach Descartes, he needed to teach Montaigne and vice versa. I think supporting their philosophies are the same way. You have to have one to have the other. Therefore, I can't commit to just one I wholeheartedly support, because in doing so, I'm indirectly saying that I don't support the other. I think different parts of their philosophies could be more supported by me, and some not. But I view them as a blend (insert the classic peanut butter and chocolate mixture: two opposites make something great) and I cannot pick out one over the other. They exist in relation to one another, I suppose.