Glossary

Cartesian Dualism

Cartesian dualism is the philosophical view that mind and body are fundamentally separate kinds of substance.

Overview

Associated with René Descartes, Cartesian dualism argues that the mind is non-physical and distinct from the physical body. In this view, thoughts, consciousness, and subjective experience cannot be fully reduced to matter alone. This idea strongly shaped later debates about consciousness, free will, and the relationship between brain and mind.

Key Insight

Cartesian dualism proposes that mental life cannot be fully explained by physical processes alone.

Scientific Status

Cartesian dualism is historically influential in philosophy, but it is not the dominant view in contemporary neuroscience, which generally favours physical explanations of mind.

How Researchers Study It

The topic is studied mainly through philosophical analysis, history of ideas, and debates in philosophy of mind rather than direct laboratory experiments.

Quick Facts

Field
philosophy of mind
Related Concepts
dualism, materialism, mind-brain problem
Typical Context
consciousness, free will, mental causation

Related Terms

FAQ

  • Is Cartesian dualism still accepted today?

    It is still discussed in philosophy, but it is not the dominant position in neuroscience.

  • Why is it called Cartesian dualism?

    Because it is associated with René Descartes, whose Latinised name was Cartesius.