Single Idea 6553

[catalogued under 17. Mind and Body / A. Mind-Body Dualism / 2. Interactionism]

Full Idea

Descartes himself was well aware of the interaction problem, and corresponded uncomfortably with Princess Elizabeth on the matter; …he pointed out that gravity is causal despite not being a physical object.

Gist of Idea

Descartes discussed the interaction problem, and compared it with gravity

Source

report of René Descartes (works [1643]) by William Lycan - Consciousness n1.3

Book Reference

Lycan,William G.: 'Consciousness' [MIT 1995], p.131


A Reaction

Lycan observes that at least gravity is in space-time, unlike the Cartesian mind. Pierre Gassendi had pointed out the problem to Descartes in the Fifth Objection to the 'Meditations' (see Idea 3400).

Related Idea

Idea 3400 Things must have parts to intermingle [Gassendi]