Cartesian dualism - Definition and Overview

Cartesian dualism was Descartes's principle of the separation of mind and matter (and mind and body) that enabled scientists to view matter as something separate from themselves that could be investigated by reason.

However, much of philosophy and science has subsequently been involved in contesting this principle. For example, mind-body problem presents competing philosophical positions and cognitive science generally assumes that mind is constructed from matter.

See also: dualism, mind dualism.