Spirits and Clocks

by Des Chene, Dennis

• ISBN13: 9780801437649
• ISBN10: 0801437644
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2001-01-01
• Publisher: Cornell Univ Pr

Summary

Although the basis of modern biology is Cartesian, Descartes' 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.
Spirits and Clocks continues Des Chene's exploration - begun in his previous book, Life's Form - of the scholastic and Cartesian sciences as well as the dialogue between these two worldviews.

Author Biography

Dennis Des Chene is Associate Professor of Philosophy at Emory University.

Table of Contents

List of Figures	p. ix
Preface	p. xi
Introduction	p. 1
Tales of the Bete-Machine	p. 7
Self-Movers	p. 13
Cycles	p. 15
The feu sans lumiere	p. 25
Where Do Machines Come From?	p. 32
The First Circle	p. 35
The Nervous System	p. 37
Flows and Resistances, Fluids and Solids	p. 38
Descartes' Tasks	p. 40
The Uses of Usus	p. 53
Naming of Parts	p. 54
The Assumption of Normality	p. 61
Machines, Mechanisms, Bodies, Organs	p. 65
Tools of Knowledge	p. 71
Exhibits	p. 72
The Analysis of Capacities	p. 78
Instrument and Organ	p. 89
Artifacts	p. 95
Jeux d'artifice	p. 103
Simulation, Illusion, and Questions of Method	p. 104
The Double Twist	p. 106
The Scope of Intention	p. 111
Unity of the Body	p. 116
Against Ends	p. 117
Physical Unity	p. 122
Dispositional Unity	p. 125
Functional and Intentional Unity	p. 132
Substantial Unity	p. 140
Conclusion	p. 153
Bibliography	p. 159
Primary Sources	p. 159
Secondary Sources	p. 167
Index	p. 177
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