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Single Idea 2276

[from 'Meditations' by René Descartes, in 17. Mind and Body / A. Mind-Body Dualism / 1. Dualism ]

Full Idea

My concept of the human mind is a thinking thing, not extended in length, breadth or depth, and having nothing else from the body.

Gist of Idea

The mind is a non-extended thing which thinks

Source

René Descartes (Meditations [1641], §4.53)

Book Reference

Descartes,René: 'Discourse on Method/The Meditations', ed/tr. Sutcliffe,F.E. [Penguin 1968], p.132


A Reaction

But he admits (in Med 6) that the mind is so closely integrated with the body that they seem inseparable. Perhaps he shouldn't trust his own concept of the thing, because he is too close to the subject matter. You can't count a crowd if you are in it.