The Impact of Cartesian Philosophy on Political Science and Philosophy

This article investigates the substantial and complex impact of René Descartes' philosophy (Cartesian philosophy), an important 17th-century thinker, on political science and philosophy. It goes into detail about how Descartes' fundamental ideas, such as rationalism, methodical doubt, dualism, and the existence of God, influenced the development of political concepts and movements like individualism, the rational state, the scientific method, natural law, contract theory, and Enlightenment thought. Furthermore, objections of some parts of Cartesian philosophy, particularly arguments for dualism and the presence of God, are assessed from various angles (for example, feminist and Marxist critiques). The paper finishes by highlighting how Cartesian philosophy might contribute to current political disputes and recommending key topics for further investigation. Keywords: Cartesian philosophy, political science, political philosophy, rationalism, systematic doubt, dualism, natural law, contract theory, Enlightenment thinking, individualism, rational state, scientific method