Cartesian Minds

Abstract

In this paper I propose a new argument against the Cartesian conception of the mind.
I start by showing that if this conception assumes either of the two main versions of
nominalism – extreme nominalism and trope theory – it is inconsistent. I then show
that if it assumes either extreme nominalism or realism it is unintelligible.
However, the Cartesian conception must assume either nominalism or realism, since
these views are jointly exhaustive and mutually exclusive. I conclude therefore that
this conception is either inconsistent, or unintelligible or both.