Malebranche's Theory of the Soul: A Cartesian Interpretation - Hardcover

Schmaltz, Tad

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0195103440 ISBN 13: 9780195103441

Publisher: OUP USA, 2003

Synopsis

This book offers a provocative interpretation of the theory of the soul in the writings of the French Cartesian, Nicolas Malebranche (1638-1715). Though recent work on Malebranche's philosophy of mind has tended to emphasize his account of ideas, Schmaltz focuses rather on his rejection of Descartes' doctrine that the mind is better known than the body. In particular, he considers and defends Malebranche's argument that this rejection has a Cartesian basis. Schmaltz reveals that this argument not only provides a fresh perspective on Cartesianism but also is relevant to current debates in the philosophy of mind.

About this title

About the Author

Tad Schmaltz is currently Assistant Professor of Philosophy at Duke University.

From the Back Cover

When French philosopher Nicolas Malebranche (1638-1715) set forth his opposition to Descartes' view that mind is better known than body, he touched off a controversy that had prominent fellow Cartesians accusing him of both failed logic and dubious theology. Malebranche responded by asserting that his negative thesis concerning our knowledge of mind derived from his superior grasp of Cartesian theory and signalled neither a rejection of Descartes' philosophical system nor a denial of properties of the soul such as spirituality, immortality, and freedom. The current resurgence of interest in Malebranche's work has led to a greater understanding of his account of ideas, his notorious doctrine of "the Vision of all things in God", but has left unexplored crucial aspects of his theory of the soul and the precise nature of its Cartesianism. This vital new book confronts these matters directly, arguing provocatively that Malebranche was correct in claiming a Cartesian foundation for his theory and demonstrating the value to Cartesian studies of Malebranche's uniquely internal critique of Descartes' account of body and mind.

Edition details

• Publisher: OUP USA
• Publication date: 2003
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0195103440
• ISBN 13: 9780195103441
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 320