René Descartes and Contemporary Ethical Dilemmas

The Epistemological Dualism of Thought and Reality

Descartes in front of Dutch mills as the breeze passes over the canal (author’s elaboration, photo by Stephan Widua via Unsplash)

René Descartes forms the foundation of many ethical dilemmas we face in the 21st century. We must come to terms with this quiet gentleman who loved peace and tranquility if we are to understand questions such as:

• Why do we believe we can manipulate fetal DNA to select its characteristics?
• Why do we find it permissible to freeze ova indefinitely, why we raze entire forests without considering the consequences?
• Why do we exterminate entire species without contemplating the aftermath?
• Why do we accept living in cramped, dirty, and polluted urban spaces?

After traveling extensively in Europe during his youth, Descartes retired to Egmond-Binnen, a tiny Dutch village near the North Sea, seeking the best way to dismantle the old medieval and Renaissance world.

In this article, I will firstly analyze a fundamental aspect of Descartes’ theory of knowledge, his “epistemological dualism.” Then, leaning on the interpretation of Italian philosopher Gustavo Bontadini, I will show its inherent contradiction. Thirdly, I will try to point out some of its consequences.