The Downfall of Cartesianism 1673–1712

Phenomenalism, idealism, spiritualism, and other contemporary philo­ sophical movements originating in the reflective experience of the cogito witness to the immense influence of Descartes. However, Carte­ sianism as a complete metaphysical system in the image of that of the master collapsed early in the 18th century. A small school of brilliant Cartesians, almost all expert in the new mechanistic science, flashed like meteors upon the intellectual world of late 17th century France to win well-d