Descartes and Teresa of Ávila
Kateřina Kutarňová
Studia Neoaristotelica 2025 DOI: 10.5840/studneoar20252213 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key points | Argues that Christia Mercer's claim that Teresa of Ávila's Interior Castle substantially influenced Descartes' Meditations is unsubstantiated. The author contends that Mercer's line of argument is wanting, her methodological approach flawed, and her arguments speculative at best, concluding that the claim should be dismissed. |
Abstract
The aim of the paper is to critically evaluate, from the perspective of a Teresian scholar, Christia Mercer’s claim that Teresa of Ávila’s Interior Castle must have had a substantial influence upon Descartes’ Meditations on the First Philosophy. The paper considers three major topics: (a) the distinction between meditation and contemplation which is crucial in Teresa’s thought and is also crucial for correct evaluation of possible Teresian influence on Descartes; (b) the role of doubts and demon deceivers for both authors and (c) Descartes’ reading list and his relationship with the Jesuits. Mercer’s line of argument is shown to be wanting, her methodological approach flawed and her “arguments” disclosed as speculations at best. In the end I come to the conclusion that Mercer’s claim is unsubstantiated and should be dismissed as such.