more from René Descartes

Single Idea 16772

[catalogued under 29. Religion / B. Monotheistic Religion / 4. Christianity / c. Angels]

Full Idea

Descartes points out that an angelic mind, even if causally connected to a human body, would not experience the same sort of bodily sensations; it would, instead, simply observe flesh being torn, like a piece of paper.

Gist of Idea

An angelic mind would not experience pain, even when connected to a human body

Source

report of René Descartes (Letters to Regius [1642], III:493) by Robert Pasnau - Metaphysical Themes 1274-1671 25.6

Book Reference

Pasnau,Robert: 'Metaphysical Themes 1274-1671' [OUP 2011], p.601


A Reaction

Does that mean that the angel could not have the experience even if it wanted to have it. So they can't pick up a cup either? So they can't make themselves known to us, even if they are desperate to? So the Annunciation never happened?