How Does Private Language Bear on the Cartesian Theory of Mind?
Journal of Cultural and Religious Studies January 18, 2026 DOI: 10.17265/2328-2177/2026.01.008 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Cartesian coordinate system Argument complex analysis Dualism Root linguistics Philosophy of language Diagrammatic reasoning Epistemology On language |
| Key points | Argues that the mind and body are not distinct and independent; instead, the mind should be elucidated as the root of the body. |
Abstract
The Cartesian meditations on first philosophy intended to demonstrate the existence of God. Wittgenstein’s private language argument is regarded as an attack on Cartesian dualism through the investigation of “private language” by a paradigm of sensation. This article explores how the “private language argument” bears on the Cartesian theory of mind. The mind and the body are not distinct and independent. Instead, the mind should be elucidated as the root of the body.