Descartes's Concept of Mind

Abstract

Descartes's concept of the mind, as distinct form the body with which forms a union, set the agenda for much of Western philosophy's subsequent reflection on human nature and thought. This is the first book to give an analysis of Descartes's pivotal concept that deals with all the function ofthe mind, cognitive as well as volitional, theoretical as well as practical and moral. Focusing on Descartes's view of the mind as intimately united to and intermingled withe the body, and focusing on the implications of its emodiement for his philosophy of mind and moral psychology, it argues that the epistemological and methodlogical consequences of this view have been largely misconstrued in the modern debate.Informed by both French and recent Anglo-American research, the book combines historical-contextual analysis with a philosophical problem-oriented approach. It relates Descartes's views on mind and intentionality both to contemporary debates and to problems Descartes confronted in their historical context. By drawing out the historical antecedents and the intellectual evolution of Descartes's thinking about the mind - its actions and passions- the book shows how his emphasis on the embodiment of the mind has implications far more complexing and interesting than the usual dualist account suggests.