The cartesian dualism and the perspective of princess Elisabeth of Bohemia

Authors

  • FELINI DE SOUZA UFSC

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.48075/rd.v11i1.35217

Keywords:

Dualismo, Elisabeth, Paixões

Abstract

Body and soul are the pillars of Descartes’ philosophy. Substantial dualism is considered of such importance because Descartes establishes it as the root of the tree of wisdom. Cartesian dualism becomes the subject of correspondence exchanged between Elisabeth of Bohemia and the philosopher. Elisabeth presents Descartes with inquires about his theory, aiming to understand something that, for her, is initially inconceivable: the interaction between an immaterial substance, the soul, and a material substance, the body. These inquiries lead the thinker to suppose a certain materiality to the soul. The purpose of this discussion lies in understanding an ethical life, as it is through knowledge of this interaction that it will be possible to consider control over the passions.

Published

22-04-2025

How to Cite

SOUZA, F. D. The cartesian dualism and the perspective of princess Elisabeth of Bohemia. DIAPHONÍA Journal, [S. l.], v. 11, n. 1, p. 15–28, 2025. DOI: 10.48075/rd.v11i1.35217. Disponível em: https://saber.unioeste.br/index.php/diaphonia/article/view/35217. Acesso em: 18 jul. 2025.