Legacies of Cartesianism in Psychology

Cognition Analysis Paper
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What are the legacies of Cartesianism in Psychology? Give an example from cognitive psychology and neuropsychology? How does Darwinism critique this view?
A crucial aspect of our normal understanding of the concept of mind started as an authentic philosophical proposition and developed into what is now termed as common sense. As suggested by Descartes, the philosophical conception is referred to as the Cartesian thesis. This proposition defines the concept of mind minds as an entity, sentiment components on a par with livers and hearts. While the liver regulates metabolism, the heart moves the blood, and the mind thinks and feels. A human’s mind receives stimuli from bodily nerves to an individual’s brain. The Cartesian psychology holds that the brain and the mind are distinct entities, and events happening within the mind differ from those happening within the brain. In this context, Descartes believed that the brain’s functioning is tied to mechanical principles exclusively, whereas the canons of reason govern the mind. There was no perspective or rationale to derive the mind from brain; thus, the former should be conceptualized as distinct, non-physical materials, and latter be understood as physical models. The Creator did not design a sentiment robot, the physical tool with the ability to think and feel. Thoughts and feelings need a non-physical mental rationale. The other epistemological legacy of the Cartesian conception of the mind is also prominent. Descartes suggests that our minds’ contents are infallible and always present to us (Heil, n.d.). I instantly and confidently know my thoughts – my desires, beliefs, feelings, and choices.
The Cartesian conception of mind incorporates, as discussed above, creating an impetus for other legacies. First, Cartesianism establishes a position termed Cartesian or significant dualism (body and mind constitute different materials). Second, it creates the potential for diverse forms of skepticism about both the existence of others’ minds and the external ecosystem. Third, it shows that the mind can be conceptualized as an arena private to the philosopher (thinker) whose constituents are incorrigible and infallible. Fourth, it incorporates the term cogitatio (thought), not only feeling but also imagination, understanding, willingness, and the like. Fifth, Cartesianism depicts a clear rejection of the conventional approach to thinking concerning the soul. In this vein, Descartes affirmed that the mind is different from the soul but is instead a thinking soul on its own. The implications of such developments are significant. While the ancients restricted the mind to all human animals, with the soul being allowed for all living organisms, Descartes holds that the mind or soul is solely present in humans. Therefore, all non-human organisms constitute mere mechanisms (Heil, n.d.). Fascinatingly, Descartes viewed the human body as a machine that the Creator endowed with a soul or mind.
In providing examples of Cartesianism legacies in psychology and neuropsychology, it is crucial to recognize that Descartes differentiated the physical and ment...