Question

1. descartes thinks that the essence of material bodies is that they:

a. remain the same across time
b. have properties such as colours and smells and tastes
c. change all the time
d. take up space
e. a and b

Explanation:

Identify Descartes' definition of material substance

In his philosophical works, particularly the Meditations on First Philosophy, René Descartes establishes a dualistic view of reality consisting of two distinct types of substances: mind (res cogitans) and body/matter (res extensa).

Analyze the concept of extension

For Descartes, the essential attribute or essence of mind is thinking, while the essence of material bodies (matter) is extension. Extension means existing in three dimensions—having length, breadth, and depth—which fundamentally means taking up physical space.

Evaluate the given options

• A. remain the same across time: While physical objects persist, temporal persistence is not their defining essence according to Descartes.
• B. have properties such as colours and smells and tastes: Descartes considers these secondary qualities. They are subjective sensations produced in the mind, not the objective essence of the material bodies themselves.
• C. change all the time: Changeability is a characteristic of physical things, but it is not their defining essence.
• D. take up space: This directly corresponds to res extensa (extended thing), which is Descartes' definition of the essence of matter.
• E. A and B: Since A and B are incorrect, this option is also incorrect.

Answer:

• A. remain the same across time
• B. have properties such as colours and smells and tastes
• C. change all the time
• D. take up space (Correct answer)
• E. A and B