Descartes on Forms and MechanismsThe modern view of causation can be traced back to the mechanistic science of Descartes, whose rejection of Aristotelian physics, with its concept of substantial forms, in favor of mechanical explanations was a turning-point in the history of philosophy. However the reasoning which led Descartes and other early moderns in this direction is not well understood. This book traces Descartes' groundbreaking theory of scientific explanation back to the mathematical demonstrations of Aristotelian mechanics and interprets these advances in light of the available arguments for and against substantial forms. It also examines how Descartes' new theory led him to develop a metaphysical foundation for his science that could avoid skeptical objections. It will appeal to a wide range of readers interested in the philosophy and science of the early modern period. |
Contents
RESURRECTING THE SUBSTANTIAL FORM | 15 |
Aquinas introduction of the substantial form | 31 |
SuareZs defense of the substantial form | 40 |
CHALLENGING THE SUBSTANTIAL FORM 4 SancheZs skeptical humanist attack | 69 |
The mechanical alternative to substantial forms | 85 |
ELIMINATING SUBSTANTIAL FQRMS | 155 |
Descartes metaphysical alternative to substantial forms | 186 |
Conclusion | 221 |
Other editions - View all
Common terms and phrases
abstract accidents anti-Aristotelian Aquinas argue Aristotelian mechanics Aristotle Aristotle’s atoms attributes Beeckman Blancanus body Cartesian causal cause chapter claim common notions composite concept conclusion CSMK defined definition differentia Discourse doctrine eliminate material eternal truths example existence explain extension figures find finite first Francisco Suarez genus God’s Gorlaeus Guevara Hence human hylomorphism Ibid identifies influence inhere intellectual intelligible matter Isaac Beeckman Leiden logical forms Marin Mersenne material substantial forms mathematical objects matter and form mechanical demonstrations Meditations Mersenne metaphysical essence metaphysical form mixed mathematical modal distinction modes Monantheuil motion natural philosophy particles particular physical form prime matter problem properties Quaestiones Mechanicae quantity question rational soul real qualities reason reflect Regius René Descartes Sanchez Scholastic Aristotelian scientific demonstrations scientific explanations scientific knowledge sense shape skeptical arguments specific stantial form Suarez substance substance/mode ontology theory things Thomas Aquinas true University of Leiden Voetius World