Descartes

Notes on show: Original Airdate 08/02/2005

Topic:	Descartes
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Guest:	Ronald Rubin, Professor of History of Ideas, Pitzer College
What is it?	The 17th Century philosopher Rene Descartes is often considered the father of modern philosophy. His Meditations are a staple in introductory philosophy courses, and his views on the relation of mind and body have dominated philosophical discussion of this issue for three hundred years. John and Ken discuss the life, times, and philosophy of this fascinating French philosopher.

About the Guest

Professor Rubin specializes in the history of early modern philosophy; the history of early modern science; the philosophy of science; and the philosophy of mind.

Listening Notes

Why is Descartes considered one of the greatest philosophers of all time? Descartes is most known for the problem of subjectivity, that is, how do we know there is more to the world than my own perceptions and thoughts. Ken introduces Ron Rubin, professor at Pitzer College. How did Descartes get to the point where he had to prove his own existence? Rubin says that Descartes' s time was full of doubt about science and received wisdom. He was trying to provide a solid foundation for knowledge. The received wisdom of the day was Aristotelian, but that was being undermined while not being replaced. Descartes wanted all knowledge to be as certain as mathematics. What is the point of his “Cogito, ergo sum” argument? It is immune to doubt. After that, the next step is the existence of God.

Doesn't Descartes' method throw out a lot of truth? Should anyone live doubting so much? Descartes' point is not for everyone to live like that, but rather that everyone should radically doubt things at least once in their lives. Descartes thought he was a thinking thing, a mind, essentially. This was the source of Cartesian dualism. How strong is the cogito argument? Can we have doubts without a doubter? How much can we actually know about the Cartesian cogito?

Why is Descartes demonized today? Ken says that some people want to attack some of the presuppositions of Cartesian philosophy, such as separation of mind and body. Descartes was consistent about his method throughout his life. Descartes' method came to him in a dream. Descartes went to Sweden to tutor the princess there and died soon after.

Amy Standen the Roving Philosophical Reporter (Seek to 04:26): Amy Standen asks some people on the street what they think about Cartesian style doubts.