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Single Idea 5014

[from 'Principles of Philosophy' by René Descartes, in 15. Nature of Minds / B. Features of Minds / 1. Consciousness / b. Essence of consciousness ]

Full Idea

We can understand thinking without imagination or sensation, as is quite clear to anyone who attends to the matter.

Gist of Idea

We can understand thinking occuring without imagination or sensation

Source

René Descartes (Principles of Philosophy [1646], I.53)

Book Reference

Descartes,René: 'Philosophical Essays and Correspondence', ed/tr. Ariew,Roger [Hackett 2000], p.245


A Reaction

We may certainly take it that Descartes means if it is understandable then it is logically possible. To believe that thinking could occur without imagination strikes me as an astonishing error. I take imagination to be more central than understanding.