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Single Idea 16774

[from 'works' by René Descartes, in 9. Objects / B. Unity of Objects / 2. Substance / e. Substance critique ]

Full Idea

Descartes thinks it is a pointless relic of scholastic metaphysics to dispute over the boundaries between substances and mere aggregates.

Gist of Idea

Descartes thinks distinguishing substances from aggregates is pointless

Source

report of René Descartes (works [1643]) by Robert Pasnau - Metaphysical Themes 1274-1671 25.6

Book Reference

Pasnau,Robert: 'Metaphysical Themes 1274-1671' [OUP 2011], p.604


A Reaction

This is Pasnau's carefully considered conclusion, with which others may not agree. It presumably captures the attitude of modern science generally to such issues.