Single Idea 4305

[catalogued under 17. Mind and Body / A. Mind-Body Dualism / 8. Dualism of Mind Critique]

Full Idea

Descartes gives no clear criterion for individuating mental substances.

Gist of Idea

Descartes gives no clear criterion for individuating mental substances

Source

comment on René Descartes (Meditations [1641], §6.78) by John Cottingham - The Rationalists p.86

Book Reference

Cottingham,John: 'The Rationalists' [OUP 1988], p.86


A Reaction

Presumably I can individuate my own mind by the 'natural light' of reason, and the implications of the Cogito. The minds of others do seem to be a problem. Why should they coincide with bodies, and not overlap or blend or swap?