Modern Philosophy 17th 19th Centuries Questions
In the philosophy of René Descartes, the concept of 'substance' refers to the fundamental building blocks of reality. Descartes believed that substances are independent entities that exist on their own, separate from any particular attributes or qualities they may possess. He argued that there are two types of substances: material substances, which are extended in space and possess physical properties, and immaterial substances, which are thinking beings with consciousness. Descartes considered the mind or soul as an immaterial substance, while physical objects, such as bodies, were material substances. According to Descartes, substances are distinct from their properties and can exist independently, even if they are not currently being perceived or experienced. This concept of substance played a crucial role in Descartes' dualistic philosophy, which emphasized the separation between mind and body.