Not Just the Tudors: Rene Descartes
Episode: Rene Descartes
Release Date: February 6, 2025
Host: Professor Susannah Lipscomb
Guest: Katherine Wilson, Professor Emeritus of Philosophy at the University of York
1. Introduction to Rene Descartes
Professor Susannah Lipscomb opens the episode by introducing René Descartes, born in 1596 in La Haye, France. Descartes is renowned as the "father of modern philosophy" and a pivotal figure in the scientific revolution. His contributions span rational thinking in natural sciences and foundational work in mathematics, which influenced Isaac Newton's laws of motion. Descartes advocated for the discovery of universal truths through systematic doubt, challenging the established beliefs of his time.
2. Descartes' Life and Education
Katherine Wilson provides an overview of Descartes' early life and education. Educated by the Jesuits, Descartes developed a profound interest in mathematics, although he pursued a law degree without practicing. His life was characterized by extensive travels, living in approximately thirteen different places, including Paris, Amsterdam, and Stockholm. Descartes served in the army, likely contributing his talents to ballistics design, though details remain sparse. He passed away at the relatively young age of 54.
"He ended up living in, I think, 13 different places in the course of his life." [04:21]
3. Natural Philosophy and Metaphysics in the Early Modern Period
The discussion delves into the distinction between natural philosophy and metaphysics during Descartes' era. Natural philosophy encompassed what we now consider science, focusing on the cosmos and the human body, while metaphysics dealt with intangible concepts like God, the soul, and moral duties. Descartes navigated both realms, contributing significantly to the understanding of the physical world through his mechanistic views.
"Atomism becomes very important just in around this time... with the microscope and the telescope playing a role." [05:58]
4. Descartes as the Father of Modern Philosophy
Exploring why Descartes is dubbed the "father of modern philosophy," Wilson highlights his methodological skepticism and rationalism. Descartes challenged the prevailing Aristotelian views, proposing that the universe operates on mechanical laws set by God, where matter is divided into parts and set in motion without continuous divine intervention. This mechanistic worldview laid the groundwork for modern scientific inquiry.
"He says, just think of God as creating a block of matter and chopping it up into individual parts and setting them in motion and imposing some laws on them." [09:09]
5. Conflict with the Church and Persecution
Descartes faced significant opposition from religious authorities who viewed his ideas as heretical. His atomistic theories were associated with atheistic Epicureanism, leading to accusations that he undermined Christian doctrines. Descartes' works, especially his "Meditations," were placed on the Index of Forbidden Books in 1667, reflecting the tension between his scientific pursuits and religious orthodoxy.
"He comes in for a lot of criticism from all the main philosophers who follow, from Spinoza, from Leibniz, from Locke, from Kant." [34:45]
6. Misconceptions About Cartesian Thought
Wilson addresses common misunderstandings of Descartes' philosophy. A prevalent misconception is that his philosophical inquiries ended with proving God's existence and the soul's immortality. In reality, Descartes continued his exploration into the relationship between mind and body, asserting a dualistic separation that has sparked extensive debate and criticism.
"But he's under suspicion from all sides... he was just putting it out there." [20:32]
7. The Meditations and Philosophical Method
Describing his seminal work, "Meditations on First Philosophy," Wilson explains Descartes' method of radical doubt. Through thought experiments like the "evil genius," Descartes sought to strip away all uncertain beliefs, arriving at the undeniable truth of his own existence: "Cogito, ergo sum" ("I think, therefore I am"). This work not only aimed to establish foundational truths but also to reconcile his mechanistic view of the universe with his belief in God and the immortality of the soul.
"It starts out thinking I must have been taught a lot of false things along with some true things... And he comes up with this remarkable thought experiment of the evil genius." [24:07]
8. Descartes' Limited Role in Moral Philosophy
While Descartes made significant contributions to metaphysics and natural philosophy, his impact on moral philosophy was minimal. He proposed a "provisional morality" focused on obeying laws as a means to navigate uncertainty. However, his more substantial philosophical endeavors lay in understanding the nature of reality, consciousness, and the physical world.
"He has interesting things to say about the emotions... I wouldn't say he was an influential moral philosopher." [27:14]
9. Influence on Isaac Newton and Scientific Thought
Descartes' ideas profoundly influenced contemporaries like Isaac Newton, despite their differing theories on celestial motion. Descartes' vortex theory, which posited that planets orbited through spinning vortices, was eventually supplanted by Newton's universal gravitation. Nevertheless, Descartes' approach to mechanistic laws and his emphasis on mathematical principles in physics were formative in the evolution of scientific methodology.
"Most of those laws of Motion that Descartes comes up with are wrong, but this is quickly seen by his immediate successors." [33:23]
10. Descartes' Relationship with Queen Christina of Sweden
Towards the end of his life, Descartes received an invitation from Queen Christina of Sweden to organize a new scientific academy and provide private instruction. This endorsement underscores the esteem in which his intellectual contributions were held, even amidst controversy. Wilson speculates that Descartes' emphasis on individual reasoning and skepticism of established dogma resonated particularly with women of his time, offering an empowering alternative to traditional constraints.
"One of the reasons might have been Descartes says, just use your own brain. You don't have to have been to a university." [36:48]
11. Enduring Legacy and Contemporary Relevance
Descartes' legacy endures through his clear, stepwise argumentative style and his foundational role in both philosophy and science. His "evil demon" hypothesis continues to influence contemporary discussions on consciousness and reality, exemplified in modern concepts like the "Boltzmann brain" and pop culture phenomena such as "The Matrix." Descartes remains a cornerstone in philosophical education, symbolizing the rigorous pursuit of knowledge through doubt and reason.
"It's a model of clear stepwise argument... There's been nothing like it since." [20:44]
"That's kind of the soft version and a harder version... What if this is all not real?" [38:36]
12. Conclusion
Professor Lipscomb and Katherine Wilson conclude by highlighting Descartes' pivotal role in shaping modern thought. His integration of philosophy and science, commitment to rationalism, and willingness to challenge established norms have cemented his status as a foundational figure in Western intellectual history. Descartes not only advanced the trajectory of scientific inquiry but also fostered a legacy of critical thinking that continues to inspire and provoke debate.
"Thank you so much for such a clear introduction to complex philosophical thought and scientific ideas." [41:57]
Notable Quotes:
- "He ended up living in, I think, 13 different places in the course of his life." — Katherine Wilson [04:21]
- "He says, just think of God as creating a block of matter and chopping it up into individual parts and setting them in motion and imposing some laws on them." — Katherine Wilson [09:09]
- "It starts out thinking I must have been taught a lot of false things along with some true things... And he comes up with this remarkable thought experiment of the evil genius." — Katherine Wilson [24:07]
- "Most of those laws of Motion that Descartes comes up with are wrong, but this is quickly seen by his immediate successors." — Katherine Wilson [33:23]
- "It's a model of clear stepwise argument... There's been nothing like it since." — Katherine Wilson [20:44]
This episode of "Not Just the Tudors" offers a comprehensive exploration of René Descartes' life, philosophy, and enduring influence, making complex ideas accessible and engaging for listeners new to the subject.