Sadness and Disease. An episode in Elisabeth and Descartes’ dialogue
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14422/pen.v80.i311.y2024.028Keywords:
Descartes, Elizabeth of Bohemia, correspondence, substantial union, body, health, soul, sadnessAbstract
Based on the correspondence between René Descartes and Isabel de Bohemia, this article aims to show how the philosopher responds to the concerns of the princess regarding the relationship between health and happiness. In the epistolary exchange, it is gradually revealed that both the position of Descartes and that of Isabel, are being transformed. In fact, if in the first moment Descartes considers that he can advise her that it is possible to break the circle, which has formed in her case, between sadness and illness, the objections of the princess dissuade him from such an endeavor. Consequently, he suggests her to exercise her will to accept the illness and the little fortune as part of her life and to achieve the satisfaction of the spirit. This text will give an account of the change in the position of the two correspondents.
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