In Descartes' conception, nonhuman animals are machines, but humans are not because only humans __________.
A) possess souls
B) have complex enough nervous systems to make it obvious that their actions are not governed only by reflexes
C) possess senses, nerves, and animal spirits
D) have a central switching mechanism
E) all of the above

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Descartes believed that nonhuman animals are automata or machines because they lack rational souls, which he argued are only present in humans. This soul endows humans with reason and consciousness, distinguishing them from animals.

In Descartes' Conception, Nonhuman Animals Are Machines, but Humans Are