Ideas from 'Two letters on mind' by René Descartes [1649], by Theme Structure

[found in 'Materialism and the Mind-Body Problem' (ed/tr Rosenthal,David M) [Prentice-Hall 1971,13-560177-0]].

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8. Modes of Existence / C. Powers and Dispositions / 2. Powers as Basic
Incorporeal substances are powers or forces
                        Full Idea: In one of his last letters Descartes describes incorporeal substances as 'powers or forces'.
                        From: report of René Descartes (Two letters on mind [1649], Feb 1649) by Robert Pasnau - Metaphysical Themes 1274-1671 08.4
                        A reaction: Only a glimmer, but I really like this idea. (Ellis flirts with it somewhere). Minds are deeply and intrinsically active things. Try ceasing to think for five minutes. Apparently 12th century Cistercian authors were keen on the idea.
26. Natural Theory / A. Speculations on Nature / 7. Later Matter Theories / c. Matter as extension
Impenetrability only belongs to the essence of extension
                        Full Idea: It is demonstrated that impenetrability belongs to the essence of extension and not to the essence of any other thing.
                        From: René Descartes (Two letters on mind [1649], More, Apr 1649), quoted by Robert Pasnau - Metaphysical Themes 1274-1671 15.5
                        A reaction: I'm not sure that I understand how pure extension can be impenetrable.