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 via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractThe private language argument, central to Wittgenstein's later philosophy, challenges the Cartesian view of mind and body as distinct and independent substances. This article argues that the mind should instead be understood as the root of the body, rejecting Cartesian dualism. By examining the implications of the private language argument for the Cartesian theory of mind, the author contends that the mind and body are not separate entities. The argument draws on the paradigm of sensation to show that a private language—one that only the speaker can understand—is incoherent, thereby undermining the Cartesian project of establishing the existence of God through first philosophy.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Cartesian coordinate system Argument complex analysis Dualism Root linguistics Philosophy of language |
| Key finding | The private language argument undermines Cartesian dualism by showing that the mind should be understood as the root of the body, not as a distinct and independent substance. |
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.