What concept did Descartes introduce in 1644 that impacted the medical paradigm?

The concept introduced by Descartes in 1644 that significantly impacted the medical paradigm is the idea that the mind and body are made of separate substances. This dualistic approach, often referred to as Cartesian dualism, posits that the mind (or soul) and the body exist independently of one another. In essence, while the body is a physical entity governed by the laws of nature, the mind is seen as a non-material, thinking substance responsible for consciousness and mental processes.

This foundational idea laid the groundwork for a distinct separation between physical and mental health, influencing various disciplines, including medicine and psychology. It led to an understanding that diseases could be treated by addressing the physical body without necessarily considering the mental state, and vice versa. This separation has had a lasting effect on how health and illness are perceived and treated within Western medicine, prompting a variety of approaches to treatment that often prioritize physical intervention without integrating the mind’s role in health.

The other concepts, while interesting, do not capture the essence of Descartes' influence in the same way. The notion of mind over matter relates more to psychosomatic interactions rather than the philosophical separation he advanced. Similarly, the ideas regarding environmental influences and self-healing through thought touch upon holistic and alternative