machines ↔ René Descartes

Relations (1)

cross_type 2.00 — strongly supporting 3 facts

René Descartes is related to machines because he proposed a mechanistic view of matter where bodies function as machines [1], while simultaneously distinguishing human bodies from machines by attributing higher consciousness to the soul [2]. Furthermore, his historical philosophical claim equated the functional nature of nonhuman animals with that of machines [3].

Facts (3)

Sources

Life, Intelligence, and Consciousness: A Functional Perspective longnow.org The Long Now Foundation 2 facts

perspectiveRené Descartes argued that human and nonhuman animal bodies are mechanical, but humans possess souls that provide higher functions like intelligence and consciousness, whereas machines are soulless.

claimRené Descartes' position that nonhuman animals and machines are equivalent is no longer popular among most scientists.

Dualism (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy/Winter 2016 Edition) plato.stanford.edu Howard Robinson · Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy 1 fact

perspectiveRené Descartes held a mechanistic view of matter, asserting that bodies function as machines according to their own laws, except when influenced by minds.