Descartes and Cartesianism : essays in honour of Desmond Clarke

This volume is a collection of original essays dealing with Cartesian themes and problems, especially as these arise in connection with Cartesian natural science and the theory of perception, agency, mentality, divinity, and the passions. It focuses in particular on Desmond Clarke's important contributions to these aspects of Descartes's writings. Stephen Gaukroger and Catherine Wilson split the volume into four distinct parts; Cartesian Science, Mind and Perception, Actions and Passions, and Cartesian Woman. The contributors are internationally known and respected scholars of 17th century philosophy writing on a number of their favourite Cartesian topics. This collection of essays from leading specialists of the philosophical and scientific writings of Descartes explores not only Descartes' own writings but also those of his immediate successors and critics in the Cartesian tradition. In the first part, the chapters explore what scientific activity consists in for Descartes, moving from the details of his cosmology and physical optics to the connection between science and ethics in Descartes writings. In the second part, fundamental questions of mind and perception are covered, with the focus on the nature of the mind and soul, and the physiology and optics of perception. Questions of veridicality and representation are posed in the context of Cartesian epistemology and his optical-instrument model for vision. The question of the reception of Cartesianism is explored through the connection between his philosophy and that of Hobbes. In the third part, the relations between action and the passions in Descartes and Cartesianism are explored, with particular emphasis on Regius' reworking of Descartes. At the same time, attention is devoted to the question of just what the 'power' of the soul is in Descartes. Finally, the limits of the early modern use of Cartesianism to defend the equality of women are set out. Among the Cartesians considered, Regius and de Raey figure prominently This collection of original essays deals with Cartesian themes and problems, especially as these arise in connection with Cartesian natural science and the theory of perception, agency, mentality, divinity, and the passions. It focuses in particular on Desmond Clarke's important contributions to these aspects of Descartes's writings. Edited By Stephen Gaukroger And Catherine Wilson. Includes Bibliographical References And Index.