The theory of passions in cartesian philosophy

---

Thesis Type: Postgraduate

Institution Of The Thesis: Middle East Technical University, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Department of Philosophy, Turkey

Approval Date: 2006

Thesis Language: English

Student: Işıl Aksoy

Supervisor: ŞEREF HALİL TURAN

Open Archive Collection: AVESIS Open Access Collection

Abstract:

The aim of this thesis is to investigate the passions in Cartesian philosophy. It analyses the nature, characteristics and the causes of passions as discussed by Descartes in his correspondence with Princess Elizabeth and his last book The Passions of the Soul (Les passions de l’âme). This thesis purports to explain Descartes’ ethical view by examining the physical mechanism of the passions and their relation to the soul. The reason, will and their essential roles in Cartesian ethics are discussed.