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MA Thesis Defense: Daniel Luna
May 9 @ 11:00 am - 1:30 pm
‘Descartes on the nature of animals‘
Daniel Luna (Cal State Long Beach)
09 May 2023 • 11:00am–1:30pm • MHB–915
Abstract: Descartes notoriously championed the so-called doctrine of the ‘beast-machine’—the view that nonhuman animals lack any form of thought (having no mind or soul). Although his position on animals is well-known among students of philosophy, the secondary literature on the topic is relatively scarce in comparison to some of his other doctrines. As a result, several interpretative issues have emerged, and Descartes is often ridiculed for his view on animal consciousness. My thesis project aims to vindicate him from the current situation. As I have attempted to show, the beast-machine doctrine can be persuasively defended within his more general system of philosophy.
Oral defenses are open to the public.
For a draft copy of the thesis in advance, please contact Raley <daniel.luna01@student.csulb.edu> directly.