Single Idea 24028

[catalogued under 17. Mind and Body / A. Mind-Body Dualism / 1. Dualism]

Full Idea

This force by which we properly know objects is purely spiritual, and is no less distinct from the body than is the blood from the bones.

Gist of Idea

The force by which we know things is spiritual, and quite distinct from the body

Source

René Descartes (Rules for the Direction of the Mind [1628], 12)

Book Reference

Descartes,René: 'Rules for the Direction of the Mind' [Newcomb Library 2023], p.36


A Reaction

This firmly contradicts any physicalism I thought I detected in Idea 24027! He uses the word 'spiritual' of the mind here, which I don't think he uses in later writings.

Related Ideas

Idea 24027 Nerves and movement originate in the brain, where imagination moves them [Descartes]

Idea 24026 Our four knowledge faculties are intelligence, imagination, the senses, and memory [Descartes]