Descartes' Dilemma

By John Heinmiller

Descartes! The father of modern philosophy. And, though not known by most, one of the grandfathers of modern day physics. His thinking was clear and concise, his reasoning often solid and when he was in error, he at least had good reason for it.

In this work, author John D. Heinmiller discusses one of Descartes most important views, metaphysical dualism. Using Descartes himself in a dialogue, Heinmiller allows Descartes to defend his views, his position, even his mistakes.

Of course, such a work would be incomplete if the opposition was not presented. Charles Darwin is presented as opposing metaphysical dualism, and Isaac Newton is also presented as a judge between the two viewpoints.

• Language: English
• Publisher: John Heinmiller
• Release date: Feb 11, 2021

John Heinmiller

John D. Heinmiller is a student of truth, in all of its various ways. He has long been interested in such questions as why and how we know what we know. Of course, he started looking into itThen, true to form, he started to write about it. Of course, he did not limit himself to just that field of interest.A lifelong Californian who was born in Los Angeles, Mr. Heinmiller currently lives by himself in San Francisco where he tries to continue his research and his writing.

Book preview

Descartes Dilemma

by

John D. Heinmiller

A philosophic dialogue designed to entertain, amuse and instruct

Scene of the dialogue – A modern day Hades, post Einstein.

Characters of the dialogue: René Descartes, Charles Darwin, Isaac Newton.

With the scene being set by two legendary warriors.

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Copyright 2021 by John D. Heinmiller. All rights reserved.

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Table of Contents

Introduction

The Beginning

Descartes’ Residence

Darwin Describes Evolution

Darwin Begins His Argument

Darwin’s Argument, It Affects People

Darwin Completes His Argument

Descartes Explains How He Came to Dualism

Darwin Argues Optics and Perception

A Discussion on Learning

Descartes Dualistic Argument Begun

Descartes Concludes His Argument for Dualism from Physics

Descartes’ Biological Argument for Dualism

Newton’s Judgment

The Meeting Concluded

Author’s Notes

Introduction

One may wonder why a book on dualism? Is not dualism discredited? Is there actually no basis for dualism? Is it not true that dualism has bit the dust and is in the garbage can of history? Did not people like D’Amassio write books demonstrating how flawed and useless it was? Why write a book that actually defends it?

The answer may surprise you. First of all, dualism is not as discredited as people like to think it is. While people tend to ignore it, when Descartes came up with his dualism he actually had some very good reasoning behind his thinking. The evidence was based on the current understanding of the time as well as some observations he made, some observations that have not been expounded on for various reasons.

So, am I a dualist? Am I going to present a thorough defense of dualism and try to sway you towards it points?

I will confess that I am swayed by the arguments for dualism, which I do present here. And yes, I have strong dualistic tendencies. But no, I am not so rabid as to think that the argument is closed. It is certainly true that the standard approach, which is called a monism, has a lot to support it, has a lot to say. But contrary to those who like to say that we must necessarily be our bodies or our brains, the evidence that monism gives is actually weaker than people realize. This will shock people, but it was not science or philosophy that shaped our current understanding of the mind-body conception. Though scientists, especially those dedicated to atheism will try to deny this, the monist approach that dominates today owes its supremacy in no small part to the power of the Catholic Church which defended it. In fact, the Catholic Church, and all of the churches of Christendom, still defend the monist position. Why and how they did this I made sure to present in this work.

So no, I will not try to sway you. Instead I have simply presented the evidence and will let you, the reader, decide.

But now, another question: Why did I select whom I select whom I selected to be the protagonists in this unique dialogue? Ah, a very good question at that. The answers may surprise you.

First of all, Descartes was a given. Who else to express the dualistic viewpoint other than the father of dualism itself? Unlike so many I seriously looked hard at what Descartes had to say in his works. Because I took him seriously and did not look at him with preconceived notions, I figured out that a lot of conceptions we had about him were actually false. For instance, there is no Cartesian Circle, just an assumption that he made which was false. And he does have a thought experiment that has been ignored, a thought experiment that has some very profound implications. True, he did not call it a thought experiment but it was one, all the same. Using what I figured out from Descartes own logic, I was able to take it and update it, showing that, contrary to supposition, the evidence for dualism is far stronger today than it was when Descartes first presented it to the world during his life.

But I wanted to do more. It was not enough to simply present Descartes evidence. I needed to present Descartes himself. He lived in a time that is very foreign to us. In our very secular day and age we almost naturally look down upon those who strive to enforce a strictly religious code. We often judge people by our own times. But Descartes lived in a very different age, a time when religion dominated, a time when to dare to go against the dictates of the church meant disaster, if not outright death. And this was not only true of the Catholic Church; it was true of the various protestant churches as well. So I needed to present not only Descartes thought but Descartes the person, not only his thinking but his feelings, his hopes and his fears, to give a feel of what he actually lived through. Understanding this would help to understand some of the things he actually said. For when all is said and done Descartes was a very courageous and prudent individual who dared to say things that contradicted his own church.

So, whom to present the monist position? There were a lot of individuals but when I really thought about it only one name stood out. People may claim that Darwin is more associated with evolution and not so involved with the concept of the monist position that mind is necessarily tied to the body. They would be absolutely right when they say that he was unaware of the advances that have been made by such luminaries as Eric Kandel. But realistically, to have Kandel who is living talking to Descartes, who is dead, is quite the feat no matter what. While in any dialogue it is certainly possible, it is realistically crazy. But then, who else? What about Mendel the father of genetics or Pasteur whose work in immunization was so important? Why Darwin? The reason for Darwin is that contrary to what people may think, evolution has something to say in this matter. It can be and is a strong supporter of the monist position. I also had a bit to say about evolution (which I did) and felt that he was just the right person to express the monist position.

At the same time I also confess I have an admiration for Darwin, his willingness to confront his own beliefs, to probe his own opinions and let himself be swayed by the evidence. It is a trait shared to a lesser degree by Descartes but for Darwin it assumed an almost religious significance. True his day and age was not so different from our own, the development of reason was much more advanced in Darwin’s day than it was in Newton’s day, let alone Descartes day. England in that day was a much more irreligious place. Not that Darwin did not meet his share of religious controversy but it was a far cry from what Descartes faced.

But I needed a moderator, a person who could pass judgment on the two positions, one who could demonstrate the weakness of both. For I will be the first to state that even dualism has its weakness. So, who to express this? This judgment came from the third person I introduced into the work. Isaac Newton plays a very small role in the work which is mainly a verbal dual between Descartes and Darwin, for most of the dialogue Newton is merely backing up Darwin. But in the end it is Newton who voices many of my own positions, my own thinking, regarding how successful both approaches are and what is needed by either, and maybe both, to complete their approaches. And really, who else but the great genius of the age? But this also allowed me to explore Newton as well, his personality, his profile, his thinking and his expectations, what made him what he was. A few things that are not normally expressed about him I was able to put into this work. He, like Darwin and Descartes, was a giant but he was also a product of his time. This allowed me to present some different aspects of Newton’s thinking, aspects that few people are aware of.

I selected the location of the dialogue because of the absolute impossibility to get the three together in living reality. It is beyond obvious that both Descartes and Newton were dead before Darwin was even born. But I also did not want to make any religious declaration. Hades is a nice safe location that few people, if any, believe exists. I could use literary license to put my three protagonists into it without touching onto anyone’s toes. To this end I introduced two famous warriors to introduce the dialogue and to set the stage, so to speak.

In the arguments for monism I am indebted to the works of Eric Kandel and Antonio D’Amassio. They provided much of the information I would put into Darwin’s mouth.

The Beginning

He was a skilled warrior, one of the deadliest of his time. His skin was bronzed by the sun. The scars of battle covered him, including one very nasty looking puncture scar on his abdomen. On his back was a bronze shield, in his hand a sword. A cloak he wore over the ensemble, out of tradition or habit he knew not why.

He moved gracefully, his muscles rippled as he moved with an easy elegance. He also moved with an unmistakable purpose, walking quickly towards his intended goal. Fast he moved yet not a hair of his blond mane moved in the still air. As he arrived at his destination he paused, looking around him. It was a landscape he had seen countless times. Already he was weary of it, but he had nowhere else to go, nothing else to do. Not finding what he wanted, he resumed his trek.

Finally he stopped. There, lying down on the ground was his target. He grinned, as much as he was able to do, and shouted out Hector!

The figure on the ground looked up. Dark of hair, skin just as bronzed, his sword and shield were lying on the ground next to him. With a grin, he jumped up, sword and shield in his grip, a warrior ready for battle. The blond haired warrior noticed yet again the ugly scar in the abdomen, a wicked scar he had given Hector so long ago at Troy when he killed him.

The dark haired one called Hector waved his sword in greeting. Achilles! he roared. I did not think you would show up so quickly after the trouncing I gave you. He whirled his sword with expert skill.

And why not? rejoined the blond Achilles laughing, his shield suddenly moved from his back to his arm. It is not like I have anything else to do in this gods forsaken place. And it’s not like you ‘kill’ me every time, most of the time I slaughter you!

In a pig’s eye, laughed Hector out loud. He then lowered his sword. It is true that we are bored here and that these fights do serve to divert ourselves from our fate, do they not? he asked seriously.

That is true, said Achilles. What else do we have to do to divert our attention from our eternal boredom? Such is always the fate of the dead, is it not my old enemy?

True, said Hector with unwonted seriousness. The boredom here galls.

Hence our fight, replied Achilles. It at least provides a few minutes of relief from the boredom. He raised his sword and advanced.

HAH! cried Hector. If it is relief from boredom you seek, I may have something that can serve far better than the simple fight we have done times beyond count.

Indeed, smiled Achilles. That does interest me. This fight between us does get tiring. He lowered his sword and let his shield hang. What is this that you have in mind?

I assume you have heard by now of that discussion between those three know-it-alls? said Hector returning the smile.

How could I not? replied Achilles, It is the rage of all Hades. But try as I can, I cannot get anyone to tell me what happened.

Well, sit down and I will tell you about it, offered Hector.

And how would you know about it? enquired Achilles curiously.

I have it from the best of authority, from the servant lady of Descartes himself, said Hector seriously.

The servant lady? scoffed Achilles. They make up stuff all the time.

Not this one, explained Hector. She was for a while his lover as well. I hear they had a child together.

You are kidding me? Achilles was shocked. He paused to think a second. She still loves him? he asked.

From what I have heard, they are very close, replied Hector.

Achilles nodded. Yes, that would be authoritative, he decided. She would not want to make up anything about him.

She would have no reason to, agreed Hector.

Achilles dropped his sword and shield and flopped belly first onto the ground. Very well, tell me about it.

I shall, Hector agreed, dropping his shield and sword and jumping down onto the ground. He paused. Where do I begin?

Where do you begin? Achilles laughed. Why, at the beginning of course.

Hector grinned. True enough my worthy opponent. He paused. I never thanked you before for sparing the life of my father when you had him in your power.

Achilles scoffed. It was the least I could do. He came to me as a supplicant for your body, I could in all honor do nothing less. He looked back at Hector. The story, he growled.

Agreed, said Hector. He looked out at the horizon. You know that Darwin wanted nothing less than to convince Descartes that he was in error.

Achilles sighed. Yes, I know it well, he said. We all know it. In our eternal boredom we become very knowledgeable about everyone else.

Well, he made up his mind that he was going to have it out with Descartes, convince him of the error of his ways, said Hector.

Indeed, replied Achilles. I had heard as much. But the rumors I have heard say that he was not alone.

True, replied Hector. Newton was there as well.

So I have heard, observed Achilles. But tell me. What happened?

Understand that I do not really know what happened between Newton and Darwin before they arrived at Descartes home, said Hector. It is nothing but conjecture that I can offer and I will do so. But from the moment they entered the home, she heard it all.

Then you had better tell me, unless you want to pick up your weapons and have a go at it, grinned Achilles.

Hector smiled. It started, he said, when Darwin went looking for Newton.

Isaac, Isaac!

Isaac Newton turned and recognized the one who was running up to him, Ah, Charles. I did not expect to see you today.

Well, I am here and so are you, replied Darwin. You know whom I am going to be confronting today.

Yes, you are going to be confronting René and his obsession with his dualism. I must admit, his refusal to concede that you and the others have figured out mind confuses me, especially when you have such a mountain of evidence to support it.

Yes, I am determined to confront him and pound some sense into his arrogant head.

Ah, Charles. I cannot help smiling at this. Certainly he is arrogant and aloof, convinced that nobody will ever quite match up to his intellect, but you should be kinder. After all, if it was not for him and his work my work would never have occurred.

So you keep pointing out in his defense. I will concede that he did make a few minor contributions.

Minor? He elevated mathematics to the level it needed to be, combining geometry with algebra. I also might point out that he insisted that we examine only those properties of matter that are measurable. Without those two contributions, I would never have developed my method of fluxions or written my own philosophy.

Don’t you mean science? That is what everyone else calls it.

Newton glowered at this. Everyone else is wrong! Those fools who came after me like to call me a scientist and what I wrote a science. As if I had the lack of vision or the necessary narrowness of perspective to be that focused. No, my magnum opus is a work of vision, of grandeur, a statement of what is. It is, beyond a doubt, a mighty philosophical work. I must admit, I am quite proud of it.

Darwin nodded at this. Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy. Yes, I can quite understand why you would be proud of it.

Of course I am quite proud of it. Why not? It is my great contribution towards society, my gift to the understanding. Newton scowled but it was not directed at Darwin. Naturally those physicists want to make me a scientist like they are, a person wholly devoted to logic and narrow-minded exploration of matter. They even go so far as to simply call my work simply ‘Mathematical Principles.’ They try to ignore the fact that I wrote a philosophy. What rubbish! Newton looked quite fierce when he said this. Darwin covered a smile as Newton continued, somewhat softer, Still, I should not be too critical of them for all that, it is a compliment in its own limited way. Here, Newton frowned, Though I do wish they would not take my axioms and declare them to be laws. I marked them as axioms for a reason. Since they want to deify me, they should listen to me.

It is always the way of humanity to deify individuals they respect even while they completely ignore what was said, replied Darwin sympathetically.

At least when it suits their convenience, I am afraid you are right, acknowledged Newton reluctantly.

They have also ignored your method of fluxions, preferring Leibnitz’s Calculus. I would be insulted if I were you.

That thief! exclaimed Newton hotly. He stole my fluxions and modified it. Though, I must confess, he continued calming down somewhat, that his way does seem easier. It does allow for easier advances in mathematics and natural philosophy.

Physics, Darwin corrected.

Which is Natural Philosophy! corrected Newton sternly. Please remember that! He paused then resumed, Still, I do wish he would acknowledge the truth that he took my principles and modified them.

Someday, we will confront him and make him admit the truth, promised Darwin.

Someday? You mean you will back me up in this?

Yes. But today, I need you to back me up.

With Descartes?

Yes.

Ah, Charles. I must admit, I am uncertain how I could back you up. I am not an expert in life philosophy. Natural philosophy is my bailiwick and natural philosophy is where my expertise lays.

Of course. But you do agree with what I say, that mind is not only located in the brain, it is caused by the brain and exists only because of the brain?

You have such a mountain of evidence to back you, I am surprised anyone can doubt for an instant.

Other than the supremely religious who accept not the evidence of their senses or of any rational deduction but rather that which is written in a book by those who know nothing.

Ah, Charles, that is a most dangerous game to play. When one confronts another’s faith with the truth, one has to be prepared to take a beating, for no amount of reasoning will ever convince them of the truth.

Yes, I know. They twisted what I said. They even tried to imprison a few of those who saw the logic of what I said, claiming to say that I asserted that we descended from monkeys.

Which, if I understand your thinking correctly, is not far from the truth, though you would say it was a common ancestor way back in time.

A monkey like creature.

I would say maybe a primitive monkey, if I properly understand your thinking, one from whom many of the monkeys of today, as well as the apes and, of course, man, descend from.

If you go back far enough, yes, mused Darwin. The difference between our statements is merely a matter of terminology, one I can accept for you do have the concept right.

Still, I am afraid that when you confront Descartes you will be dealing with such a belief. He is very obstinate in this, completely convinced of his dualism and nothing, it seems, will be able to shake him of his belief which, I must point out, seems to have achieved a religious significance in his mind.

Yet, you respect him.

He is the grandfather of my work, the grandfather of modern day physics which is the current expression of our understanding of natural philosophy. If he would simply drop his dualism, I would be proud to present him to the rest of Hades and expound on his mighty contributions.

I too would also like to see him abandon that stupid concept. It is irritating that one as smart as he, so devoted to the philosophical sciences as he is would embrace such a stupid position.

If anyone can sway him, it is you. But I rather fear that you will have a fight on your hands. He is convinced in his belief and thinks he has reason on his side. Newton paused. If he is convinced he has reason on his side, he will be most difficult to convince otherwise.

Which is why I would love it if you could back me up. By myself, I fear I would fail but with two of us, maybe we would have a chance to shake the obstinacy out of his head.

Ah, so that is why you have come to me. You feel that my backing you will give you a chance.

Indubitably. But not just because I need you to back me up for moral support.

Oh? Why do you feel you need me?

Darwin looked serious. As you know, my expertise is in the life sciences and geology. Evolution is my discovery, though I have kept up on the advances of the body and the brain. But while I know a considerable amount about life, I know little about physics, what you call natural philosophy. He is an expert in it, though not as advanced as you and I fear that he will try to come up with some objection based on that study.

Newton was thoughtful. So you need me to counter any objections he may come up with using the study I am the acknowledged master at?

If you would be so kind. I have a layman’s knowledge but that would fail to impress him. It would need an expert, one who truly knows what he is talking about to counter those objections.

You would of course deal with any objections he has towards life philosophy. That is your area of expertise.

I can handle that much at least. But with you backing me up, I do not see how we could fail, unless his belief is truly religious in nature.

I rather think that you will fail. But what is there but to try. Newton nodded, I agree. I will back you up, but as you understand your philosophy better than I do, you must do most of the arguing. Let us go confront the lion is his den. After that, if we succeed, we can drink an ale in honor of truth and reality.

I would rather like that. But, you? An ale?

I think, under the circumstances, it would be a special occasion. Newton paused, then continued on. I have unbent a little bit since I died, you know.

Better not make it a big one, at least for you. After all, when was the last time you had one.

Um… Newton looked confused, It was a while ago.

Like, ever? Darwin laughed.

Oh, come on now, Newton responded indignantly.

Very well grinned Darwin. Shall we go?

Lead on. Newton bowed, arms stretched towards the direction of Descartes’ residence. Darwin nodded and walked on.

Shaking his head, a rueful grin on his face, Newton followed.

Descartes’ Residence

With the ringing of the bell, René Descartes cried out Coming, coming, and walked rapidly towards the door. He opened it to find both Darwin and Newton standing there. A smile lit his features.

Merveilleux! Come in, come in, he bowed his guests into the room and guided them to chairs. I am so pleased to see you. In fact, honored! Descartes bowed to Newton. I finally get to meet the one who made my dream a reality, who expressed the laws of nature mathematically and who actually explained the clockwork mechanism of the universe. He then glanced at Darwin. And another who had served the annals of knowledge so ably, if you are that one who came up with evolutionary thought. This is really a glorious day for me. Is there anything I can get you? A glass of wine, or something stronger perhaps?

Newton shook his head. I would prefer a glass of juice if you had it.

Descartes smiled. Of course, of course. I have grape, apple, pear….

Apple will suffice. Cider preferred. I do appreciate the crispness of a good cider.

Cider it is. And you, Darwin?

I am more down to earth than Isaac is, I am afraid. If you have a good ale handy….

One good ale coming up!

Descartes quickly moved to the pantry and started filling the drinks. Darwin looked at Newton who glanced back at him.

He has a reputation for being hospitable, Charles. It was expected in the times he lived in.

Of course, replied Darwin, as Descartes arrived with a glass of cool cider, a mug of ale and a glass of red wine."

Serving his guests, he seated himself in a third chair, the glass of wine within ready reach. Now if I may enquire, what brings you to my humble abode? Knowing you two, I doubt very much that it is to merely shoot the breeze. You, Mr. Darwin, are here with a purpose, I am convinced of that. Though why you, Mr. Newton, would want to come with him is beyond my comprehension. But knowing you and your reputation for striving for perfection, especially of self, your being here has to serve some purpose.

Newton and Darwin looked at each other. It was Newton who spoke first. Ah yes, we are here with a purpose.

Descartes leaned back in his chair. I am listening.

Now Darwin spoke up. Monsieur Descartes, we do recognize your intelligence and your contributions in the annals of knowledge. Your contributions towards mathematics and, er, natural philosophy are extraordinary and your studious support of rational learning in the face of religious sentiment, which you opposed quite handily, is justifiably famous.

Descartes waved an arm in the air in dismissal. Oui, Oui, I know. But please, get to the point. I do not think you came here to give mindless platitudes about my genius, true though they be.

True, replied Darwin. Ok. To the point! We have been long concerned with what we perceive to be a particularly religious position you take concerning scientific understanding. We have …

Religious? Descartes’ eyebrows shot up.

Religious, returned Darwin.

What rubbish! exclaimed Descartes. I was one of the earlier opponents of the mysticism of the Church. I was a proponent of the use of reason instead of reliance on mystical revelation wherever possible. I strongly supported a separation of the scientific and the religious, though I did hold that there was a connection I was convinced that they truly belonged in different spheres of understanding. I was a firm proponent of the Copernican system. In fact, I was even writing a book, as firm a defense of the Copernican system if there ever was one.

Newton here interjected, Why didn’t you ever publish that book?

Descartes glowered. I was going to publish it, but the Inquisition put a stop to it all.

Darwin here looked up with concern. The Inquisition? I did not know they attacked you during your life.

They did not. Descartes sighed and sank back into his seat. They condemned Galileo of heresy for following the Copernican system instead of the Ptolemaic system. After that, I dared not publish Le Monde.

Newton nodded. Fortunately Johannes Kepler’s book was sufficient.

Oui, replied Descartes, and for that I sing its praises. But even I did not emerge unscathed from the ugliness of the Inquisition.

Several of your works were banned for a long time, if I recall, nodded Darwin. What a shame, an insult to a fine man.

All of my works were banned! It was a definite insult, rejoined Descartes hotly. They feared me and the truth. Yet it backfired. By putting my works on the Index, they only ensured that they would be read by people who wanted to know the truth, people unafraid of the truth. Which is as I would want it. Descartes sat back in his chair, but a bit of the fire still remained in his eyes.

Newton smiled. I am glad you see it that way, though I do regret you never published that one book.

Descartes sighed and looked out the window. I too regret it. But it is less of a regret because I was able to publish other works, works in which I was able to say the bulk of what Le Monde said. My Geometry, my Optics My Meteors and my Passions de L'Âme, he said breaking into French.

Your what? asked Darwin.

Ah oui. My Passions of Le Soul. Descartes shrugged, slightly embarrassed. Please forgive me, I got carried away.

Darwin shrugged it off. Think nothing of it.

My Discourse on Method came from that work though I it was more of a shortened description, without the proofs. And of course there was my Meditations, which was a development of what I wrote in Le Monde though I made some unique contributions there. There are, of course, other works, but those were my chief works. And I must admit the rest of Le Monde would have been just a minor defense, nothing really new. So overall I am satisfied with what happened.

Darwin spoke up. I understand you had some definite views on astronomy and on the human body.

Descartes blushed. "I did make a few statements that were ultimately vindicated. For instance, I was convinced that the sun and the stars generated light and that the moon and planets reflected it. Furthermore I