1.In the sixth chapter of his work "Meditations" Descartes makes a distinction between the mind and the body as two things which are fundamentally different, referring to the body, he calls it "res estensa", a finite, limited thing which does not have the capacity to think. The mind on the other hand, or "res cogitans" is non extended and its function is that of thinking.
             The philosopher uses the expression "real distinction " when he refers to the difference between these two substances. This distinction is called "real" because it refers to the very nature of things which distinguishes one from the other. It must be underlined that a substance can exist as a substance in the absence of any other existing thing. The direct consequence of this conception is that the mind and the body can exist independently and in the absence of the other.
             The mater is complicated because it gives rise to an entire set of questions, such as how is it possible for two substances which are essentially different to function in perfect harmony. One of the advantages that Descartes gets out of making this "real distinction" is that he obtains a solid argument for demonstrating the immortality of the soul.
             From the manner in which he formulates his theory, it results that the mind is equal with the I, that is, with the soul. The body is known to be mortal, finite, under the laws of time. If the mind (that is the soul) can exist independently of the body, then it is safe to assert that it could live forever.
             When talking about the mind and the body Descartes says that he has a "real and clear" distinction between them. Since they can be conceived and understood independently, this means that they can also exist separately. It is true that a body or thing can exist without a mind, and we are given the example of the stone. Nevertheless, it is worth asking the question whether...