Descartes and Cartesianism: Essays in Honour of Desmond Clarke

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.