Although the basis of modern biology is Cartesian, Descartes's
theories of biology have been more often ridiculed than studied.
Yet, Dennis Des Chene demonstrates, the themes, arguments, and
vocabulary of his mechanistic biology pervade the writings of many
seventeenth-century authors. In his illuminating account of
Cartesian physiology in its historical context, Des Chene focuses
on the philosopher's innovative reworking of that field, including
the nature of life, the problem of generation, and the concepts of
health and illness.
Des Chene begins by surveying works that Descartes would likely
have encountered, from late Aristotelian theories of the soul to
medical literature and treatises on machines. The Cartesian theory
of vital operations is examined, with particular attention to the
generation of animals. Des Chene also considers the role of the
machine-model in furnishing a method in physiology, the ambiguities
of the notion of machine, and of Descartes's problem of simulation.
Finally, he looks at the various kinds of unity of the body, both
in itself and in its union with the soul.
Spirits and Clocks continues Des Chene's highly regarded
exploration -- begun in his previous book, Life's Form -- of the
scholastic and Cartesian sciences as well as the dialogue between
these two worldviews.
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