Rene descartes: Colossus of binaries – real or perceived?

Abstract

Rene Descartes lived in the 17th century and is considered as the father of Western philosophy. He is generally credited with popularizing the concept of mind–body dualism. Cartesian dualism cannot be interpreted devoid of its historical origins. This article attempts to contextualize Descartes for students of medicine by reviewing the historical background of his formulations, its impact then and now, current relevance of mind–body dichotomy, and the controversies surrounding the concept.

Keywords

• Cogito ergo sum
• dogma
• mind–body dualism