Descartes on the Eternal Truths and Essences of Mathematics: An Alternative Reading

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Abstract

_ Source: _Page Count 46 René Descartes is neither a Conceptualist nor a Platonist when it comes to the ontological status of the eternal truths and essences of mathematics but articulates a view derived from Proclus. There are several advantages to interpreting Descartes’ texts in light of Proclus’ view of universals and philosophy of mathematics. Key passages that, on standard readings, are in conflict are reconciled if we read Descartes as appropriating Proclus’ threefold distinction among universals. Specifically, passages that appear to commit Descartes to a Platonist view of mathematical objects and the truths that follow from them are no longer in tension with the Conceptualist view of universals implied by his treatment of the eternal truths in the _Principles of Philosophy_. This interpretation also fits the historical evidence and explains why Descartes ends up with seemingly inconsistent commitments to divine simplicity and God’s efficient creation of truths that are not merely conceptually distinct from the divine essence.

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Helen Hattab
University of Houston

Citations of this work

Descartes’s argument for modal voluntarism.Sebastian Bender - forthcoming - Inquiry: An Interdisciplinary Journal of Philosophy.

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References found in this work

Rethinking the Ontology of Cartesian Essences.Raffaella De Rosa - 2011 - British Journal for the History of Philosophy 19 (4):605 - 622.

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