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My AP English teacher has a bone to pick with Enlightenment philosophy, specifically Descartes and Rationalist Epistemology. She feels that the application of its arguments and principles would justify far too many egregious things - slavery, exploitation, war, genocide. Somehow I doubt her reasoning, although I am able to understand how she came to those conclusions. My question is whether or not there are arguments out there to refute hers? Any response would be greatly appreciated. Sincerely, Josh.
Accepted:
November 19, 2005

Comments

Richard Heck
November 24, 2005 (changed November 24, 2005) Permalink

I doubt your teacher's reasoning, too, but mostly on the general ground that Descartes didn't talk much about these issues and I, anyway, have a very hard time seeing how any sort of epistemology could lead to the justification of slavery. I mean, epistemology is important and all, but it is nonetheless limited in scope.

It might interest you to know that a kind of early women's movement was based upon Cartesian principles, the idea being that the mind, being distinct from the body, was genderless.

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