Descartes and the pineal gland in animals: a frequent misinterpretation

Journal of the History of the Neurosciences
S Finger

Abstract

René Descartes presented a number of reasons for his choice of the pineal gland as a logical place for the soul to interact with the physical machinery of the body. It is often stated that one of his reasons was that he believed animals do not have pineal glands, whereas humans alone possess a soul and this small structure. This is a misinterpretation of Descartes. The philosopher knew that barnyard and other animals possess pineal glands, having seen this with his own eyes. His point was that the pineal is unique in humans only because of a special function - acting as the seat for the rational soul.

References

Jan 1, 1979·Progress in Brain Research·J A Kappers
May 1, 1994·Archives of Neurology·S Finger, H W Buckingham

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Citations

Apr 1, 1997·Journal of the History of the Neurosciences·H W Buckingham, S Finger
Aug 24, 1999·Archives of Physiology and Biochemistry·J P Lakke
Feb 15, 2011·Brain Research Bulletin·Francisco López-MuñozCecilio Alamo
Nov 20, 2015·Journal of the History of the Neurosciences·Dana TurliucClaudia Costea
Aug 21, 2015·Journal of the History of the Neurosciences·Aleksandar DamjanovicNikola N Trajanovic
Feb 20, 2003·Neurosurgery·Stanley Finger, Meredith P Hustwit

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