The Errors of Descartes’ Critics: Part 1

The “Masters and Possessors of Nature” Thesis

René Descartes by Frans Hals / Source: Wikimedia Commons

In this series of posts, I would like to deconstruct some of the preconceived notions we have about Descartes’ philosophy.

These misinterpretations have influenced not only the reception of Descartes’ work, but also some of the most common debates within philosophy, as well as an important part of the criticism of our field.

It is believed that, for Descartes, man should be the master and possessor of nature. This idea is one of the most influential ones of Descartes.

Yes, but this is completely wrong!